Trump Reacts to Deadly Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan Airport

Trump Reacts to Deadly Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan Airport

Published: January 30, 2025

A PSA/American Airlines passenger plane from Wichita, Kansas, collided mid-air with a U.S. Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport late Tuesday night. The crash occurred at around 300 feet as the plane was on final approach. The helicopter, on a training mission from Fort Belvoir, had three soldiers aboard. The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members.

Rescue operations are ongoing near the Maryland side of the Potomac River.

President Trump reacted on Truth Social:

"It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn… This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"

The White House confirmed Trump had been briefed, offering prayers for the victims and praising first responders.

Vice President J.D. Vance urged prayers, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an immediate Army and DoD investigation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged full federal support for rescue efforts.