Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responded to President Trump’s criticism of the FAA and the prior administration, calling it “despicable” at a time of tragedy and disputing his characterization of events.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg hit back after President Trump criticized the Biden administration and diversity initiatives in the aftermath of a deadly midair collision outside
Pete Buttigieg was less than thrilled when President Donald Trump called him out Thursday during a news conference.
Mike Whitaker, unanimously confirmed as the FAA administrator in October 2023, stepped down early from his five-year term on Jan. 20 when Trump took office and for 10 days the FAA declined to say who was running the agency on an acting basis. Trump has not yet named a permanent candidate to replace Whitaker.
In his first news conference since the aircraft collision over the Potomac River, President Donald Trump on Thursday implied that diversity, equity and inclusion programs could be the cause, although an investigation has only just begun into the fatal disaster.
President Trump implied diversity push in the Federal Aviation Administration may have played a role in the crash, injecting a partisan note just moments after sounding a moment of unity and grieving.
After a deadly air disaster in the U.S., President Trump appointed Chris Rocheleau as the acting head of the FAA. The incident sparked political debate, with Trump questioning previous diversity efforts at the agency.
Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary and former South Bend mayor, called Trump's comments during today's press briefing "despicable."
Trump said he didn't know what caused the crash but "we have some very strong opinions and ideas."
U.S. President Trump states that Buttigieg is a disaster and that diversity is not integral to the FAA's mission. He also criticizes the Obama administration's efforts to address diversity and equity in the FAA.
Southeast Michigan's LGBTQ+ community can once again stand proud of our own Pete Buttigieg, who showed grace under fire while forcefully shutting down