Schumer slams Trump for spewing 'conspiracy theories' over D.C. plane crash

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said his stomach turned while watching President Trump “spew up conspiracy theories” over the deadly collision of a military helicopter and commercial plane near Washington’s Reagan National Airport.

Mr. Trump during a press conference on Thursday blamed “horrible” diversity, equity and inclusion policies from the Biden and Obama administrations for playing a role in the crash.

“We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,” Mr. Trump said, noting that he strengthened Obama-era standards with “very powerful tests” that the Biden administration eliminated. 

Mr. Trump didn’t say which tests he was referring to. When asked what evidence he had to connect the crash to DEI initiatives, the president said it was “common sense.” 

Mr. Schumer said he watched Mr. Trump’s press conference aghast. 

“It’s one thing for internet pundits to spew up conspiracy theories,” he posted on X. “It’s another for the president of the United States of America to throw out idle speculation even as victims are still being recovered and families are still being notified. It turns your stomach.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, South Dakota Republican, said in floor remarks Thursday that “it’s too early to know why last night’s crash occurred.”

“But we’re going to find out,” he said. “And Congress and federal agencies will be closely examining this tragedy to ensure that America’s skies are safe.”

• Jeff Mordock contributed to this report.