President of the United States Donald Trump Speaks About the Washington, D.C., Plane Crash

Through updates posted on Truth Social, President Donald Trump commented on the recent aviation accident in Washington, D.C., after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released details of the event. Vice President JD Vance also addressed the situation.

President Donald Trump recently utilized Truth Social to share his thoughts on the airplane disaster that unfolded near Reagan Washington Airport on January 29, 2025, at approximately 9 p.m. local time. In a subsequent post, he underscored the seriousness of the incident.

According to an announcement posted on X by the Federal Aviation Administration, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional aircraft was on approach to Runway 33 at the airport when it was involved in a mid-air collision with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter.

"PSA was operating Flight 5342 on behalf of American Airlines," the FAA stated, clarifying that the flight originated from Wichita, Kansas. While the FAA is contributing to the probe, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation. Authorities have assured the public that regular updates will be provided as new details surface.

In his initial statement, Trump mentioned that the PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 was executing a standard and precise approach to the airstrip. He then pointed out that the helicopter it struck had been heading directly toward the jet for an extended period.

“It is a PERFECTLY CLEAR NIGHT, the aircraft’s lights were fully illuminated. Why didn’t the helicopter ascend, descend, or maneuver? Why didn’t the control tower instruct the helicopter rather than merely asking if they had visual contact with the plane [sic],” Trump wrote.

Concluding his remarks, he stressed the critical nature of the accident, expressing his belief that it was preventable, and declared, “TERRIBLE!!!” In a follow-up post on Truth Social, the President reiterated his sorrow over the event, directly addressing the public with, “God bless everyone!”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also spoke about the crash during an interview with television host Sean Hannity. She acknowledged the catastrophic nature of the collision and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to those affected.

“I can confirm that President Trump has been briefed on the situation, and tragically, it appears that a military helicopter and a regional jet collided over DCA airport in Washington, D.C.,” Leavitt stated.

She continued, “That is the extent of what I can confirm at this moment. However, I want to emphasize that the thoughts and prayers of the entire Trump administration are with everyone impacted. We urge the public to follow law enforcement’s directives and allow them to conduct their lifesaving efforts.”

Like Trump and Leavitt, Vice President JD Vance also addressed the tragedy, sharing a brief yet solemn message on X. “Please keep everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport in your prayers tonight. We are closely monitoring the situation, but for now, let’s remain hopeful,” he posted.

As the inquiry into the harrowing mid-air disaster continues, media outlets remain on-site, delivering real-time coverage as more facts emerge. According to CBS News, search operations are ongoing in the Potomac River, where remnants of the two aircraft—an American Eagle Flight 5342 regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter—have been scattered.

Authorities reported that the airplane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, whereas the helicopter had three military personnel aboard. As of 6:45 a.m. ET, law enforcement sources informed CBS News that at least 30 bodies had been retrieved. The search has been complicated by freezing water temperatures and perilous conditions on the river.

BBC reported that roughly 300 emergency responders are engaged in the rescue mission, braving severe circumstances such as strong winds, frigid waters, and minimal visibility. Experts warn that the extreme conditions drastically lower survival odds, with hypothermia setting in within seconds of exposure. Alongside human remains, divers have recovered luggage and aircraft debris from the wreckage site.

The plane's remains were found submerged in five to eight feet of water, and a dive team successfully located one of the aircraft’s black boxes. However, it remains unclear whether it is the flight data recorder or the cockpit voice recorder. Meanwhile, the helicopter was found overturned but mostly intact.

Flight path data from tracking websites indicated that the regional jet was steadily descending toward Reagan National Airport from the south, while the Black Hawk was also descending along the Potomac River from the north.

Although planes are equipped with advanced systems to detect and avoid airborne collisions, retired American Airlines pilot Doug Rice highlighted that the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is ineffective below 700 feet, which may have played a role in the accident.

In a separate report, a news organization shared the account of a man whose wife was among the passengers on the ill-fated flight.

Hamaad Raza was in the middle of exchanging text messages with his wife as he awaited her arrival at Reagan Washington National Airport when, suddenly, his messages stopped delivering.

A growing sense of unease quickly turned into fear when he learned that a flight from Wichita, Kansas—his wife’s flight—had been involved in a mid-air collision.

Raza revealed the final message his wife sent him before her communication ceased: “We’re landing in 20.” He attempted to respond, but his messages failed to go through. Now, he is anxiously awaiting any news about his 26-year-old spouse, to whom he has been married for just over two years.

“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river as we speak. That’s the only hope I have. I’m just praying to God,” Raza said. He added that his wife had been in Wichita for work and had always been uneasy about flying, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking.

Raza, a senior associate at EY-Parthenon, a business consulting firm, attended the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and graduated from John Burroughs School. Larry Miller, a news anchor for WUSA 9-TV who interviewed Raza, mentioned that more families are gathering at Reagan Washington National Airport, desperate for information about their loved ones.

Regarding the ongoing rescue operations, District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly commented, “This is a highly intricate operation. The conditions are extraordinarily challenging for our responders. It’s bitterly cold, and they’re facing strong winds.”

As of this report’s publication, search teams have yet to locate any survivors from the three debris fields, which are dispersed across the icy waters of the Potomac River.

In addition to his posts on Truth Social, reports suggest that Trump referred to the catastrophe as “a tragic event that seemed preventable” through another social media platform. However, it was unclear whether this statement was based on official briefings or other sources.

He added, “May God bless their souls. I deeply appreciate the incredible efforts of our first responders. I am closely following developments and will provide updates as they arise.”

Newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated via social media that the Pentagon was monitoring the situation closely and stood ready to assist if needed.

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall also commented, describing the disaster as “a complete nightmare.” Expressing his condolences, he offered prayers for the victims and their families, hoping they find the strength to endure such an unimaginable loss.

Alexandria, Virginia, Mayor Alyia Gaskins extended her sympathies in a social media post, sending prayers to those affected and commending the emergency responders, law enforcement, and medical teams aiding in the regional response. Alexandria is located just south of Reagan Washington National Airport.