President Trump argued that diversity initiatives under the former Democratic president were the drivers of Washington Airlines clashes.
“I'll put safety first. Obama, Biden and Democrats put policy first,” he said at a press conference on Thursday that crashed all 67 people on two aircraft. He spoke the day after. “They actually gave instructions: “Too white.” And we want talented people. ”
President Obama's willingness to increase diversity in recruitment included in 2011 to “establish a coordinated government-wide initiative to promote diversity and inclusion in federal workers.”
He signed the bill in February 2012 and directed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to referrals. “Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan” to ensure equal opportunities, increase diversity and promote inclusion. The aim was to reach out to groups classified as underrated, such as women, ethnic minorities and disabled people.
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All air traffic control recruits still had to pass the Air Traffic Selection and Training Test (AT-SAT) for their acceptance to the Federal Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City. However, the overwhelming proportion of successful candidates was white, so in 2014 some AT-SAT was changed to test aptitude and decision-making in a “biographical evaluation.” This was thought to provide applicants with a fair chance from a non-advantageous background, with a focus on skills rather than experience. It was secretly criticized by conservatives for its “profiling” candidates due to the disadvantages of race and white men.
At the end of President Obama in 2016, FAA administrator Michael Fuerta said: Over 13% of our permanent new recruits this year are African-Americans, a record better than the private workforce compared to about 10% in 2012. ”
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Trump, whose biographic evaluation was removed as a screening tool in 2018, told the Biden administration that under the FAA “severe intellectual disability, psychiatric issues and other mental and physical conditions under the Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Initiative. “They said they encouraged workers to be recruited. .
Trump criticizes Day's policy after the crash of Washington planes
The FAA's diversity and inclusion employment plan, which was now removed from the website after Trump's executive order, states that “diversity is the FAA's mission to ensure safe and efficient travel across our country.” is essential to achieving the goal.”
The plan, last updated in March 2022, added: “Target disorders are obstacles that the federal government has identified as a policy issue with a particular emphasis on recruitment and employment, including those with lack of hearing, vision, limbs, partial paralysis and complete paralysis. , including epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, mental disorders, and dwarfism.
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“Diversity is so important, the FAA is actively supporting and engaging in a variety of associations, programs, coalitions and initiatives to support and accommodate employees from diverse communities and backgrounds. Our people are our strengths and we are very careful to invest in them and value them that way.”
billionaire Elon Musk, who is now director of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, posted at the time. It's actually happening. ”
The FAA defended its employment policy and said that critical safety staff must meet strict standards.
Trump has been criticized for hiring in the federal sector, including air traffic control
AP
“The FAA employs tens of thousands of people in a wide range of positions, from management roles to monitoring and implementing critical safety functions,” he said. “Like many large employers, agents are actively seeking qualified candidates from as many sources as possible, all of which must meet strict qualifications that vary from position to position. Not there.”
Democrats target Trump's actions
Meanwhile, Democrats have tried to change Trump's responsibility and criticize his early actions in the new administration, including air traffic control, shootings by the Chief of the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and hiring the employment of the federal sector. did. Changes in the FAA and dismantling of the long-standing Aviation Security Commission.
New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote in X: Trump destroyed the Air Safety Commission last week. Air traffic controllers are already short on staff — “shop” Trump this week in a weekly ultimatum. It's not Day – it's him. Elon too. ”
Industry experts warned against political point scoring, and since taking office on January 20th, both the president's actions and diversity programs have been deadly between two aircraft operating in extremely busy airspace It was pointed out that it was shown to have caused a conflict.
Air Traffic Control Tower at Reagan National Airport in Washington
Gent Shkullaku/Alamy
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association urged 20,000 members to “keep focused and stay strong,” leaving the facts to experts.
“It's too early to speculate on the root cause of this accident,” he said. “We will wait for the National Transportation Safety Board to complete its work and use that information to guide decisions to improve air safety. We will quietly provide services. We offer, but events like this remind us of the weight we endure.”
On Thursday, Trump appointed Christopher Rocheroux as deputy director of the FAA, filling the vacant position by Michael Whitaker, who resigned before he took office. A professional in aviation safety, policy and operations, Rocheroux played several senior roles during his nine-year career at the FAA.
Committee established after the dissolution of the Lockerby disaster
However, concerns remained over Trump's decision to fire the head of TSA last week and dissolve the Aviation Security Advisory Committee. It was an agency established by Congress after the 1988 Lockerbee disaster, and was founded after 270 people died when a terrorist bomb exploded. Pan am Flight 103 over Scotland.
The committee consisted of airline experts, airport staff, manufacturers, labor unions and aviation industry stakeholders, including victims of plane crash crashes. He was tasked with providing feedback and recommendations to the head of the TSA, part of the Department of Homeland Security regarding airline and airport safety.
The Trump administration has included it on the Homeland Security Committee list that it described as a “misuse of resources.”
“In the last 35 years, approximately 95% of the (commission's) recommendations for FAA and TSA leadership have been accepted. Kara Weipz, president of the victims of Pan AM Flight 103, has been accepted on the basis of the committee's abandonment. , these recommendations will improve aviation security and protect the flying public.”
The Trump administration's actions “harm the aviation security of the United States and around the world,” she said.
