Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took to Fox News on Friday to discuss two major issues: the tragic crash of a military Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C., and former President Donald Trump’s criticism of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices in the government.

The crash, which occurred Wednesday evening, involved a military Black Hawk helicopter and a civilian airliner in the Washington, D.C., airspace, resulting in the deaths of 67 people.

Hegseth shared that the investigation is focusing on the altitude at which both aircraft were flying at the time of the collision.

Investigation Focuses on Altitude of Both Aircraft

Hegseth explained that authorities are looking into whether either the Black Hawk or the civilian plane was at the wrong altitude when the crash occurred.

“We are looking at altitude, and the president was clear about that, someone was at the wrong altitude,” Hegseth stated.

“Was the Black Hawk too high? Was it on course? Right now, we don’t quite know.”

Trump, who has been vocal about his concerns, shared his thoughts on the crash Friday morning.

He posted on TruthSocial that the helicopter had been flying “far above the 200-foot limit.”

He added, “That’s not really too complicated to understand, is it???”

Details About the Helicopter Crew

Hegseth confirmed that three soldiers were on board the Black Hawk helicopter at the time of the crash but did not yet know which pilot was flying the aircraft.

“You had a captain in training, a chief warrant officer too as an instructor, and a staff sergeant in that Black Hawk as well,” Hegseth explained.

While Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves was identified as the pilot, the co-pilot’s name has not yet been released, although the crew chief was identified as Ryan O’Hara.

Hegseth mentioned that the military is prioritizing notifying the families of the victims before releasing further details.

Trump Criticizes DEI Hiring Practices and Backs Merit-Based Standards

The conversation then shifted to President Trump’s comments on the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices within the federal government.

Trump argued that these programs, particularly in fields like aviation, could potentially lower the standards for highly skilled positions, like pilots and air traffic controllers.

Hegseth supported Trump’s viewpoint, stating, “The environment around which we choose pilots or air traffic controllers, as the president pointed out correctly yesterday, better be the highest possible standard.”

He emphasized the importance of having only the most qualified individuals in charge of managing flight operations.

“I need them to be good at their job because I need my flight to land safely,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth Promises to End DEI Programs in the Military

Hegseth also reiterated his commitment to eliminating DEI initiatives within the Department of Defense, blaming the previous administration for implementing these policies.

“For too long under Biden, they cared about these things, emphasized those things, pushed real or perceived quotas at the Defense Department,” Hegseth said.

“We are ending all of that. It’s been made very clear across all of our services and commands that it’s merit only.”

According to Hegseth, the focus will now be on ensuring that only the best and most qualified personnel are selected, regardless of background.

“This means we will get the best of the best,” he concluded.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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