President Donald Trump has suggested that the Federal Aviation Administration’s diversity efforts had made air travel less safe.
The president asserted his opinion even though the crash has yet to be fully investigated, and there has been no determination as to whether the FAA did anything wrong.
Mr Trump was speaking at the White House press briefing room after a fatal crash between a passenger lane and Army helicopter on Wednesday night at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Mr Trump also suggested that he might make sweeping changes at federal aviation agencies.
There could firings “if we find that people aren’t mentally competent”.
“For some jobs,” Mr Trump said, singling out air traffic controllers. “They have to be at the highest level of genius.”
No survivors expected after jet and helicopter collide
Mr Trump blamed previous administrations’ efforts to promote diversity at federal agencies for contributing to the crash.
Asked why he thought that was an issue what happened, he responded, “Because I have common sense”.
Earlier in the briefing, Mr Trump said: “As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly.
“Sadly, there are no survivors.”
Mr Trump said it was still not clear what led to the crash. He said the US military and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
“We’ll find out how this disaster occurred and will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again,” he said.