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2/3/25 - Even More Trump Stuff: Air disaster aftermath

Andrew Pulrang

• 2 min read
White wheelchair symbol stenciled on a blue painted brick wa
Monday

Trump Blames D.E.I. and Biden for Crash Under His Watch

David E. Sanger, New York Times - January 30, 2025

"President Trump’s remarks, suggesting that diversity in hiring and other Biden administration policies somehow caused the disaster, reflected his instinct to immediately frame major events through his political or ideological lens."

Leading Disability Organizations: President Trump’s Blame of Deadly Plane Crash on Disabled Federal Workers Is Baseless, Irresponsible

Jess Davidson, American Association of People with Disabilities - January 30, 2025

"People with disabilities proudly serve our nation through government service in every federal department and agency. Disabled employees, like non-disabled employees, are hired because they meet the qualifications needed to do the job. The Federal Aviation Administration has rigorous standards for hiring Air Traffic Controllers and all other FAA employees."

People with intellectual disabilities do lots of jobs — but they don't direct air traffic

Joseph Shapiro, National Public Radio - June 30, 2025

"No, the Federal Aviation Administration did not recruit people with intellectual disabilities to work as air traffic controllers ... Despite what President Trump said at a press conference Thursday — 'They can be air traffic controllers' — that's not how disability hiring works, says Chai Feldblum, a disability lawyer and former commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ... Disability employment law, she says, requires 'that the person with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the job.'"

I've tried at least three times to write what I think about this incident. But I think these pieces speak well enough for themselves. I've never been one to argue that ableism is a thing of the past. But the nakedness and venom of President Trump's comments still stunned me. What else is there to say? Lots, actually – but not today. Maybe later when I can sort through the implications more effectively.

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