In an unexpected twist of blunt ignorance, President Donald Trump once again inserted his foot into his mouth, spouting off uninformed statements on a topic far removed from his supposed expertise. His attempted critique of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and air traffic controllers demonstrates a deep-seated ignorance of these professionals’ intricate field of work. Undeniably, his comments were not only imprudent but also disrespectful in the light of a recent air catastrophe.
The complications and vast operational understanding demanded of an air traffic controller are starkly contrasted against the utter lack of formal training required to assume the office of the president. Trump would do well to stick to his strongest suit, the world of lucrative sales. The realms of aviation safety should be reserved for those comprehensively experienced – the professionals working with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
However, in an audacious attempt of passing the buck, President Trump conveniently shifted the blame for a disastrous mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Would you believe it? He held the administration policies of former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama accountable. Specifically, he targeted the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion as culprits.
The relentless pressures that bear down on our nation’s air traffic controllers are staggering. Given years of understaffing and the monumental responsibility they shoulder, it’s alarming that more accidents haven’t surfaced amidst the throng of commercial planes, helicopters, and private aircraft fluttering our skies.
Despite this, the likelihood of enduring Trump’s misleading statements and questionable decision-making for another four years seems like a horrifying dream. Especially when he continues to belittle vital public services and belies a profound hypocrisy, given his unenviable paradigm of dinosaur politics.