Sean Duffy, the newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Transportation, is facing an unexpected challenge early in his tenure. Following the tragic January 29 accident in Washington, DC, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives, Duffy met with the victims’ families and pledged a thorough, transparent investigation. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has controversially blamed diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) policies for the disaster.
A Tragic Start for the New Secretary of Transportation
Duffy admitted that the first days of his new job were not what he had anticipated. He met with families of those who died when a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided with a PSA Airlines-operated Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft near Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA).
The crash killed 67 people—60 passengers and four crew members on the CRJ700 and three U.S. Army personnel aboard the Black Hawk. Expressing his sympathy, Duffy stated,
“Their pain is immeasurable. I can’t take away their pain, but I can help ease it by ensuring a fully transparent investigation. They have my word.”
Commitment to Transparency and FAA Reforms
Duffy emphasized his dedication to transparency, aligning himself with President Trump’s administration, which he described as the “most transparent” in his lifetime. He also promised to develop a comprehensive plan to address issues within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
He acknowledged that several long-standing issues, including outdated technology and understaffed air traffic control centers, need fixing. His plan aims to keep stakeholders informed of progress during the investigation and broader aviation reforms.
Trump’s response, however, was swift and controversial. On January 30, the President signed an executive order titled “Immediate Assessment of Aviation Safety”, placing blame on past administrations, specifically Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Trump argued that DEI policies implemented during their terms led to a reduction in merit-based hiring, which, in his opinion, compromised safety within the FAA.
Trump’s Criticism of DEI Policies
During a press conference on January 30, Trump criticized DEI programs, claiming that they shifted focus away from hiring qualified candidates. He stated that the Obama administration had moved away from “objective aptitude,” while Biden’s team “rejected merit-based hiring” in favor of diversity initiatives.
However, Trump’s comments have been labeled by many as a “false narrative.” No direct evidence has emerged linking the crash to DEI policies, and the investigation is still ongoing. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urged caution, with its Chair, Jennifer Homendy, requesting more time to analyze data before any conclusions are made.
Per international aviation regulations, investigators have 30 days to release a preliminary report, though the complete investigation may take longer.
Challenges Within the FAA
Beyond the ongoing investigation, systemic issues within the FAA have come to light. A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in December 2024 indicated that several of the FAA’s systems are outdated and unsustainable. Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers (ATCs) have been an ongoing concern, with a Department of Transportation (DOT) report from June 2023 showing that 20 of 26 critical ATC facilities were operating below the 85% staffing threshold.
The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, as training for new ATCs was paused for nearly two years. This has significantly delayed certification, making it harder to address the staffing problem. The full impact of the pause may not be understood for several years since ATC training varies and can take more than three years to complete.
In its January 30 briefing, the NTSB confirmed that it would review ATC-related factors, such as personnel fatigue and positioning, to determine whether they contributed to the crash. However, officials warned against speculation, emphasizing that all findings would be made public once verified.
Balancing Accountability and Reform
Sean Duffy’s promise of transparency comes during a critical moment for U.S. aviation safety. As he works to investigate the January 29 crash, his focus also lies on fixing deeper FAA issues, including staffing shortages and outdated infrastructure. While the investigation will take time, it highlights the need for both short-term accountability and long-term reform in ensuring aviation safety.
Despite Trump’s attempt to link DEI policies to the crash, experts are awaiting the investigation’s official results. As of now, the priority remains addressing systemic problems in the FAA to prevent future tragedies.