In a briefing that recalled his most extreme first term remarks, President Trump said without any evidence that diversity initiatives caused the midair collision.

Authorities declined to say what may have caused the deadly plane crash in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night while the investigation is underway, even as President Trump and his allies sought to politicize the incident by blaming diversity efforts.

An American Airlines regional jet went down in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after colliding with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night, with no survivors expected amid the extremely cold and windy conditions.

Trump said he didn't know what caused the crash but "we have some very strong opinions and ideas."

President Donald Trump began his White House briefing with a moment of silence and a prayer for the victims of Wednesday’s crash at Reagan National Airport

Trump on Thursday criticized hiring practices of his predecessor that promoted diversity, equity and inclusion.

The president implied that the crash was caused by the FAA's recruitment of people with "severe intellectual disabilities" and "psychiatric problems."

"Shameful", reads the Daily Mirror's headline as it covers Donald Trump's blame for the Washington air collision on diversity hires. The paper calls it a "new low" for what is says is the deadliest air tragedy in the US since 2001.

A midair collision near D.C. has raised concerns over FAA staffing, prompting scrutiny of air traffic control and aviation safety oversight.

President Donald Trump’s critics on social media pointed to some of Trump’s policies as contributors to a midair crash between a commercial jet from Wichita, Kansas, and a military Blackhawk helicopter.