In a briefing that recalled his most extreme first term remarks, President Trump said without any evidence that diversity initiatives caused the midair collision.

Trump on Thursday variously pointed the finger at the helicopter’s pilot, air traffic control, his predecessor, and other Democrats, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whom he labeled a “disaster.” Buttigieg responded by calling Trump “despicable.”

President Donald Trump began his White House briefing with a moment of silence and a prayer for the victims of Wednesday’s crash at Reagan National Airport

There is no evidence that diversity efforts played a role in the crash, and his statements disregarded his own administration’s hiring policies.

President Donald Trump is questioning the actions of the army helicopter pilot and air traffic controller in Wednesday’s deadly midair collision in Washington