OCA Condemns President Trump’s Statements About DCA Tragedy, Mourns Loss of Community Members
For Immediate Release
January 31, 2025
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates strongly condemns President Trump’s statements regarding the plane crash that occurred over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday night. On Thursday, the President implied that the disaster was caused by diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
OCA vehemently denounces the President’s use of dangerous rhetoric in light of a disaster that has not been thoroughly investigated. At moments of national tragedy, the President should be providing a sense of comfort to the American people, rather than trying to find fault without basis.
DEI programs improve the staffing and effectiveness of federal agencies like the FAA, allowing all Americans to travel with safety and dignity. These programs have not and do not require hiring of individuals who cannot do their jobs, nor the lowering of standards. Investigations of the collision continue today.
“It is frankly repulsive that the President was quick to blame and slow to take accountability,” said Thu Nguyen, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director. “In fact, the air traffic controller demonstrated utmost professionalism and skill in immediately navigating other flights landing at DCA that night, and showcased the high level of competency that the FAA employs. Meanwhile, the FAA lacked an acting director at the time of collision. We hope that the Administration improves on their responses to such disasters so that we can restore our confidence.”
“We send warm condolences to the families and loved ones of those onboard American Airlines Flight 5342 and the Black Hawk army helicopter, including Azra Hussain, Angela Yang, Jinna Han, Jin Han, Spencer Lane, Christine Lane, Sarah Lee Best, among many other community members and cabin crew.”
“As a former member of the Skating Club of Boston, I grieve with our community, and honor Spencer, Jinna, their mothers Christine and Jin, and the coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov,” said Matthew Sim, OCA-New England Chapter President. “This tragedy reminds us of the importance of strong federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. We can never forget. We will never forget 9/11, and we will never forget the lives lost in this week’s tragedy either.”
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About OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.