President Donald Trump has addressed the recent plane crash in Washington, D.C., via posts on Truth Social after the FAA revealed details of the incident. Vice President JD Vance also spoke out.
The crash occurred on January 29, 2025, around 9 p.m. near Reagan Washington Airport. According to the FAA, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342, was approaching Runway 33 when it collided mid-air with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The aircraft had departed from Wichita, Kansas.
While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) leads the investigation, the FAA is assisting and will provide updates as more information emerges.
Trump described the PSA jet as being on a routine approach, questioning why the helicopter did not maneuver to avoid the crash. He emphasized the seriousness of the incident, writing, “NOT GOOD!!!” In a follow-up post, he simply stated, “God bless you all!”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump had been briefed, expressing the administration’s sympathy for those affected. She urged the public to follow law enforcement guidance. VP JD Vance also shared his thoughts, asking for prayers for the victims and their families.
Rescue teams continue searching the Potomac River, where the wreckage of the American Eagle Flight 5342 jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter is scattered. The jet carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three military personnel on board. As of 6:45 a.m. ET, 30 bodies had been recovered. Harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures and strong winds, make the operation extremely difficult.
BBC reports that about 300 emergency responders are involved, retrieving debris, luggage, and human remains. One of the aircraft’s black boxes has been located, but its contents remain unclear. Flight tracking data suggests the regional jet was descending toward the airport while the Black Hawk was also descending along the Potomac River. Experts note that the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) does not function below 700 feet, which may have contributed to the crash.
The tragedy has also affected families waiting for loved ones. Hamaad Raza, whose wife was on the plane, was texting her when the messages stopped delivering. Her last message read, “We’re landing in 20.” Now, he prays for her survival, hoping rescuers find her in time.
District of Columbia Fire Chief John Donnelly described the situation as highly complex due to the dangerous weather conditions. Despite extensive search efforts, no survivors have been found.
Trump later reiterated that the accident seemed preventable, offering prayers for the victims and gratitude to first responders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Pentagon was monitoring the situation, ready to assist if needed.
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall called the crash “nothing short of a nightmare,” while Alexandria, Virginia, Mayor Alyia Gaskins expressed condolences and praised emergency responders.
This marks the worst U.S. commercial aviation disaster since 2009, when a Continental Airlines flight crashed near Buffalo, New York, killing 49 people. As the investigation continues, families and officials hold onto hope for answers and closure.
