The fresh team of Donald Trump is encountering a significant challenge almost immediately on their turf, as many have just started their roles amid the investigation into the air collision over the Potomac River.
Numerous rookie cabinet members of Trump came under fire from Democrats—and even a few Republicans—for their inexperience in crucial governmental positions. In particular, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was heavily criticized for lacking the necessary leadership qualities required for such a high-stakes responsibility.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, confirmed just after Hegseth, along with the other newcomers in Washington, are now facing a flurry of inquiries regarding how such a devastating crash could occur above the nation’s capital.
New Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and possibly CIA Director John Ratcliffe will also be under scrutiny. Social media was already flooded with unfounded theories by Wednesday evening, suggesting the helicopter was part of a covert mission at the time of the collision. Trump himself stoked these theories with a post on Truth Social asking, “Why didn’t the helicopter ascend or descend, or change direction? Why didn’t the control tower instruct the helicopter instead of inquiring if they saw the plane?”
Trump’s FBI Director nominee Kash Patel may also find himself questioned about the incident during his confirmation hearing scheduled for Thursday morning.
New Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent could even get pulled into discussions about funding for infrastructure projects.
To secure Hegseth’s confirmation, Vice President JD Vance had to cast a tie-breaking vote after the former Fox News personality’s colorful private life nearly thwarted his appointment as head of the Department of Defense.
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth described him as the “least qualified” of Trump’s Cabinet choices, asserting that his lack of experience could jeopardize U.S. military personnel. “We’re discussing the critical 3 a.m. call when Chinese aircraft come dangerously close to American jets,” Duckworth stated, declaring: “Our troops deserve better than someone seemingly nominated just for having hosted Trump’s favorite show on Fox News.”
Rather than a near encounter with Chinese fighters, Hegseth received a call on Wednesday night concerning an actual collision involving an American Airlines plane filled with passengers and a military helicopter.
Hegseth shared a message on X stating: “The Department of Defense is actively monitoring the situation and is ready to assist if necessary. Thoughts and prayers for everyone involved.”
He later provided updates confirming the identification of the helicopter, writing: “Truly tragic. Ongoing search and rescue operations. Thoughts and prayers for all affected, as well as their families. An immediate investigation has been initiated by the Army & DoD.”
In the morning, Hegseth will likely face intense questioning about how a military helicopter on a training mission ended up on the same flight path as a commercial airline.
“We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s event was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, operating out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training mission,” stated a military spokesperson.
The incident occurred in one of the nation’s busiest flight corridors, where numerous air movements are classified due to military operations and the proximity to significant government sites, including the White House, the Pentagon, and the U.S. Capitol.
No indication of terrorism is believed to be linked to the event; however, Duffy—who gained notoriety as a reality TV contestant on The Real World: Boston—is expected to represent the administration as the reasons behind the crash are closely investigated.
On Wednesday night, Vance took the initiative by issuing a statement prior to Trump, saying: “Please keep everyone involved in tonight’s mid-air collision near Reagan Airport in your prayers. We’re keeping an eye on the situation, but let’s hope for the best.”
Shortly afterwards, the president shared a similar sentiment, stating, “I have been fully updated on the tragic incident that just occurred at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. I appreciate the remarkable efforts of our first responders. I am monitoring the situation closely.”
As further details unfold from the debris in the Potomac, the trusted aides of Trump tasked with vital government roles will need to demonstrate whether they can uphold the bold assertions made during their confirmation processes regarding their competency.
