Staff Reports
The aftermath of a national tragedy typically calls for unity and reflection, but this notion seems lost on the left. In a recent incident involving the tragic mid-air collision of a military helicopter and a commercial plane near Ronald Reagan National Airport, the usual suspects in the media quickly leaped to blame President Donald Trump, showcasing the absurdity of Trump Derangement Syndrome in full display.
The collision, which involved an American Airlines flight carrying 64 passengers from Wichita, Kansas, and three soldiers on the Army helicopter, is feared to have resulted in no survivors. Yet, instead of mourning the loss of life and honoring those involved, numerous leftist commentators took to social media to indict the former President. The timing of their outrage could not have been worse, as they flaunted their biases in the face of tragedy.
Turning to the Washington Post, a so-called “hometown” newspaper, one might expect a respectful and dignified treatment of such a devastating incident. However, readers found the front page dominated by articles bashing Trump and his choices rather than covering the catastrophic event that had unfolded. The tragic crash, arguably the most significant aviation disaster involving a U.S. passenger jet in well over a decade, was buried beneath the fold, where readers had to search to find it.
Not Cool: Washington Post's Above-the-Fold 'Priorities' After Aviation Disaster Spark Outrage, Questionshttps://t.co/1BNyPMepEI
— RedState (@RedState) January 30, 2025
This insensitivity reflects a troubling trend in mainstream media, where the agenda often supersedes newsworthiness. Some might argue that the late timing of the collision made it difficult to rearrange the layout of the newspaper. However, it’s been suggested that the editors simply chose not to mess with the original higher-profile content. In an age where professionalism and journalistic integrity should matter, the decision-making process that leads to such callousness appears to be a reflection of their values—or lack thereof.
The Washington Post’s choice to prioritize anti-Trump narratives over significant news is emblematic of a broader issue: the failure of many media outlets to adapt and learn from the changing landscape of American politics. The audience expects better, and when such tragedies occur, it is hoped that they would inspire reflection rather than petty political attacks. The media would do well to remember that there are times for loud opinions and times for solemn respect, and the recent helicopter crash certainly called for the latter. But alas, for the left, chastisement of Trump comes before human decency.
