‘Next-level terrible’: Two Trumps on display in wake of Potomac plane crash

Published January 31, 2025 7:00am ET



There seemed to be two President Donald Trumps in the immediate aftermath of the deadly collision between an American Airlines airplane and Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington.

The crash, which occurred over the Potomac River as the plane tried to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the helicopter was conducting a training mission, presents the first test of Trump’s nascent second administration after a record of uneven responses to tragedy during his first term.

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