Fact Check: Did Elon Musk once post that it would take an airplane crash to end DEI hiring policy?

AUSTIN, TEXAS: An American Airlines plane carrying 64 passengers collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, DC on Wednesday, 29, leaving everyone on board dead.

President Donald Trump slammed former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden for their wrong policies on aviation for the mishap.

Following the tragic incident, a rumor circulated online claiming that Elon Musk once posted that it would take an airplane crash to end the DEI hiring policy. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Elon Musk posted it would take airplane crash to end DEI hiring policy

In late January, a claim circulated online alleging that Elon Musk, who is heading up the new US Department of Government Efficiency, once posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that it would take an airplane crash for the government to end a "crazy" hiring policy involving diversity, equity, and inclusion.

People across social media shared the claim about the alleged Musk's post, which read, "It will take an airplane crashing and killing hundreds of people for them to change this crazy policy of DIE." 

True: Elon Musk made post in January 2024

The claim made in the online rumor is true as Elon Musk did make the post in January 2024, while replying to a user who, as per NBC News, speculated that United Airlines pilots, who went to Black colleges and universities, would score lower than the average of IQ of Air Force pilots, which was later deleted by the person, according to Snopes.

The post seems to have resurfaced following the deadly midair collision on January 29. 

Notably, on January 20, President Trump signed an executive order seeking to end federal programs, offices, positions, plans, actions, initiatives, grants, and contracts associated with DEI, DEIA ('A' for accessibility), environmental justice, and equity, per the outlet.

Captain Chesley Sullenberger shares theory on DC plane crash

Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, the hero pilot who saved 155 passengers onboard a disabled US Airways plane back in 2009, shared his theory on why the horrific plane crash on January 29 took place in Washington, Radar Online reported.

He believes lack of lights while flying over water to be a primary contributing factor in American Airlines Flight 5342 colliding with a Black Hawk chopper.

The captain said in an interview with the New York Times, "There would have been fewer ground lights visible over the water than over land at night. This might have made it a little bit harder to see."

He explained, "Nighttime always makes things different about seeing other aircraft – basically all you can do is see the lights on them. You have to try to figure out: Are they above you or below you? Or how far away? Or which direction are they headed? Everything is harder at night."