President Donald Trump recently addressed the devastating airplane crash near Washington, D.C., shedding light on his thoughts about the tragedy. In his remarks, he expressed concern over the incident and raised key questions about what led to the collision. Keep reading to learn what he had to say and what transpired during this heartbreaking event.

President Donald Trump recently took to Truth Social to address the tragic plane crash near Reagan Washington Airport on January 29, 2025, which occurred around 9 p.m. local time. In his posts, he expressed his thoughts on the incident after the FAA provided details about what transpired. Additionally, Trump shared a follow-up message, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Vice President JD Vance also spoke out, lending his voice to the ongoing discussion surrounding the crash.

In a statement shared on X, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, was nearing Runway 33 at Reagan Washington Airport when it collided mid-air with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The plane had been departing from Wichita, Kansas, at the time.
The FAA clarified that they are providing support for the investigation, though the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will take the lead. As more details emerge, the FAA assured the public that continuous updates would be provided.
In his initial post about the crash, President Trump described the PSA Airlines plane as being on a “routine and precise approach” to the airport. He then expressed concern over the helicopter’s actions, noting that it had been heading directly toward the plane for an extended period.
“IT IS A CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane?” Trump wrote, questioning the response to the situation.

Concluding his statement, Trump underscored the seriousness of the tragedy, asserting that the collision was entirely preventable. He punctuated his message with a stark declaration: “NOT GOOD!!!”
In a follow-up post on Truth Social, the President once again acknowledged the devastation caused by the incident. Speaking directly to the public, he offered words of support and reassurance, stating, “God bless you all!”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also addressed the tragic incident during an interview with TV host Sean Hannity. She acknowledged the gravity of the crash and reinforced the administration’s commitment to those affected.
“I can confirm that President Trump has been fully briefed on the situation, and tragically, it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet at DCA airport, right here in Washington, D.C.,” Leavitt stated.

Leavitt continued, stating, “That’s all I can confirm at this point in time, but I want to emphasize that the thoughts and prayers of the entire Trump administration are with everyone affected. We urge the public in this area to stand by for guidance from law enforcement and allow them to carry out their critical work as they attempt to save lives.”

Like President Trump and Press Secretary Leavitt, Vice President JD Vance also addressed the tragic incident, offering a solemn message on X. “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan Airport this evening. We’re closely monitoring the situation, but for now, let’s hope for the best,” he wrote, urging the nation to come together in support of those affected.

As the investigation into the tragic mid-air collision unfolds, news outlets continue to provide real-time updates as authorities work tirelessly to uncover more details. According to CBS News, search and recovery efforts are actively underway in the Potomac River, where the wreckage of both aircraft—American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter—remains scattered.
Officials have confirmed that the regional jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had a three-member crew on board. Rescue teams are working diligently to assess the full extent of the disaster, as the nation awaits further developments.

Authorities have recovered at least 30 bodies as of 6:45 a.m. ET, according to a law enforcement source cited by CBS News. The ongoing search efforts are being hampered by freezing water temperatures and hazardous conditions on the Potomac River, making the grim task even more challenging.
According to the BBC, approximately 300 emergency responders are on the scene, working relentlessly despite the extreme conditions, including icy waters, powerful winds, and limited visibility. Rescue teams remain committed to their efforts as the nation anxiously awaits further updates on this heartbreaking tragedy.

Rescue experts caution that the frigid conditions significantly diminish the likelihood of survival, as cold shock response can take hold within mere seconds of exposure. Alongside recovering human remains, divers have also retrieved luggage and debris scattered across the crash site.
The wreckage of the plane rests in water depths ranging from 5 to 8 feet, where dive teams have located one of the aircraft’s black boxes. However, it remains unclear whether the recovered device is the cockpit voice recorder or the flight data recorder. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the helicopter, though upside down, remains largely intact, offering investigators a critical opportunity to piece together the events leading up to the tragic collision.

While modern aircraft are equipped with advanced safety systems to detect and prevent mid-air collisions, retired American Airlines pilot Doug Rice pointed out a critical limitation. He explained that the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), a crucial tool in averting airborne accidents, becomes ineffective below 700 feet—potentially playing a role in the tragic crash.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a news outlet shared the story of Hamaad Raza, a man eagerly awaiting his wife’s arrival at Reagan Washington National Airport. As he stood by, texting her to coordinate pickup, his messages suddenly stopped delivering—an ominous sign that something had gone terribly wrong.

Raza’s unease quickly turned to horror when reports emerged that a flight from Wichita, Kansas—his wife’s flight—had been involved in a catastrophic mid-air collision with a helicopter.
Clutching his phone, he re-read her last message: “We’re landing in 20.” It was sent just moments before his responses stopped going through. Panic set in as he desperately tried to reconnect, only to be met with silence. Now, Raza is left anxiously waiting for news about his 26-year-old wife, whom he has been married to for just over two years.

“I’m just praying that somebody’s pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. That’s all I can pray for. I’m just praying to God,” Raza expressed, his voice filled with desperation. His wife, who had traveled to Wichita for work, had always struggled with a fear of flying, making this tragedy all the more heart-wrenching for him.
Raza, a senior associate at EY-Parthenon, a business consulting firm, had built a life with his wife after they married just over two years ago. He graduated from Indiana University Kelley School of Business and John Burroughs School, yet nothing in his life could prepare him for this devastating moment.
Meanwhile, more family members have been gathering at Reagan Washington National Airport, hoping for any news about their loved ones. News anchor Larry Miller of WUSA 9-TV, who spoke with Raza, confirmed the growing presence of worried family members seeking answers.
District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly explained the difficult and dangerous conditions first responders face. “It’s a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It’s cold. They’re dealing with relatively windy conditions,” he said.
As of the latest updates, no survivors have been recovered from the three debris fields scattered across the freezing waters of the Potomac River, and the search continues under increasingly treacherous conditions.

In addition to his posts on Truth Social, President Trump also described the tragic incident as “a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented” in a separate social media post. However, it was unclear whether this statement was based on official briefings or other sources of information.
He concluded his message by offering condolences, saying, “May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”

Newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took to social media, assuring the public that the Pentagon was closely monitoring the situation and stood ready to offer assistance if necessary. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall also shared his condolences, describing the incident as “nothing short of a nightmare.” He expressed his deep sorrow and extended prayers to the victims and their families, hoping they would find strength in the midst of such a devastating tragedy.

Alyia Gaskins, the Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia, expressed her heartfelt condolences on social media, offering prayers for all those affected by the tragedy. She also praised the tireless efforts of local fire, police, and emergency teams who are working diligently to assist in the regional response. Alexandria, located just south of Reagan Washington National Airport, is directly impacted by the incident.

The last major U.S. commercial air disaster occurred in February 2009 when a Continental Airlines flight, departing from Newark, New Jersey, tragically crashed into a house near Buffalo, New York, while attempting to land. The Bombardier Q400 plane claimed the lives of 49 people. As the current crisis unfolds, the nation is holding onto hope for any survivors, while also sending their prayers to the families of those confirmed to have lost their lives.