Trump Names Acting FAA Administrator After Plane Crash
Skift Take
Key Points
- President Trump appointed Chris Rocheleau as acting FAA Administrator following a plane crash near Reagan National Airport.
- The crash involved an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, with no survivors expected.
- During a press conference, Trump blamed DEI policies and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for the crash, without providing evidence.
Summary
Following a tragic plane crash near Reagan National Airport involving an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter, President Trump appointed Chris Rocheleau as the acting FAA Administrator. Rocheleau, a veteran of the FAA and former executive with the National Business Aviation Association, steps into the role after Mike Whitaker's resignation. In a press conference, Trump controversially blamed the crash on DEI hiring policies within the FAA, although he did not provide supporting evidence for this claim.
Trump’s Impact on Travel
Read how the first 100 days of U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions and policies are shaping the future of travel, and get insights into the industry's evolving response.President Donald Trump announced he is appointing current FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau to be the acting head of the agency.
The appointment comes after a plane crash near Reagan National Airport, which is believed to have no survivors. An American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near the Washington, D.C. airport Wednesday night.
Rocheleau, a former executive of the National Business Aviation Association and U.S. Air Force veteran, has worked at the FAA for over 20 years.
Trump made the announcement during a press conference about the plane crash.
“I’m also immediately appointing an acting commissioner for the FAA, Christopher Rocheleau,” President Trump said. “A 22-year veteran of the agency, highly respected.”
Former FAA chief Mike Whitaker, who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in October 2023, resigned from the top post January 20, on President Trump’s Inauguration Day.
Trump Blames DEI for Plane Crash With No Evidence
During the press conference, Trump proceeded to blame DEI hiring policies in the FAA and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for the crash.
“Brilliant people have to be in those positions,” Trump said.
When asked about any evidence on the impact of DEI hiring policies in the agency, Trump did not offer any.
“It could have been … So we don’t know, but we do know that you had two planes at the same level, that shouldn’t have happened,” he said.
Photo Credit: Exterior of the White House on December 30, 2024. Adam Schultz/White House White House / Adam Schultz
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