‘Unfit to lead’: Blue state governor lashes out at Trump for targeting DEI policies after DC plane crash

Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has accused President Donald Trump of being too incompetent to lead the country after suggesting that the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may have played a role in the tragic Washington, D.C., aircraft collision on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Governor Pritzker criticized Trump for blaming the FAA’s DEI hiring practices for the American Airlines crash before the victims had even been identified. Pritzker emphasized that Trump was failing to demonstrate his role as a protector of the American people and the head of the government during a crisis.
Pritzker, who is rumored to be considering a 2028 presidential run, has been a vocal critic of Trump and has been at the forefront of Democrat opposition to his administration’s policies. He refused to follow Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship and has consistently challenged the president on various issues.
The governor’s comments come amidst a long-standing feud between him and Trump, with the president previously attacking Pritzker on social media for his leadership in Illinois. Pritzker, in turn, has called out Trump for his lack of leadership and failure to provide accurate information in times of crisis.
Pritzker demanded that the Trump administration answer critical questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash, including staffing levels at the control tower, the firing of Aviation Security Advisory Committee members, and the impact of federal workforce cuts on aviation safety.
Trump, on the other hand, has criticized the FAA’s DEI hiring practices, suggesting that they have weakened the agency’s ability to ensure safety in the skies. He pointed to headlines about hiring people with severe disabilities as evidence of the FAA’s misplaced priorities.
The president has taken steps to reverse DEI programs in the federal government and restore what he calls the “highest standards” for air traffic controllers. He emphasized the importance of having qualified individuals in these positions to ensure the safety of commercial flights.
Pritzker is not the only potential Democratic presidential contender to push back against Trump’s comments. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, another rumored 2028 candidate, called Trump’s remarks “despicable” and emphasized the need for strong leadership in times of crisis.
As the investigation into the American Airlines crash continues, both Pritzker and other Democratic leaders are calling on the Trump administration to prioritize transparency, cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board, and a commitment to ensuring the safety of the nation’s aviation system.