John Rich slams Nashville reporter Phil Williams for linking DC plane crash to Donald Trump’s policies

WASHINGTON, DC: Country singer John Rich has strongly criticized investigative reporter Phil Williams of NewsChannel 5 for a tweet that appeared to link the recent deadly helicopter crash near Washington, DC to the policies of newly inaugurated President Donald Trump.

The crash, which occurred on January 29, involved a military helicopter colliding with an American Airlines flight, killing 67 people.

Phil Williams blames Donald Trump for DC plane crash

Phil Williams, an investigative reporter based in Nashville, ignited backlash with a tweet that referenced the crash and suggested that "more people will die" due to Trump’s policies.

In the now-deleted tweet, Williams pointed to the president’s recent buyout offer to federal employees, which he claimed would result in fatalities.

He wrote, "President Trump offered unprecedented buyouts to ALL federal employees at a time when studies show the FAA does NOT have enough air traffic controllers to keep us safe. More people will likely die."

He later deleted the post, stating “Deleted an earlier post because it unfortunately was interpreted as blaming tonight’s tragedy on policies in Washington. That was certainly not my intent."

Williams went on to say, "As someone who has covered aviation safety for many, many years, I know that you cannot suddenly pull people out of an ATC system that is already stretched to a breaking point - and still keep people safe."

"I do fear the consequences of political decisions made without careful deliberation about the impact on human lives," he concluded.

The tweet quickly sparked outrage, particularly from country singer John Rich, who is known for his outspoken political views. Rich wasted no time calling for Williams to be fired for his comments, calling the behavior “disgusting.”

“Yep. [Newschannel 5] it’s time to terminate Phil. Wow. Absolutely disgusting behavior. He does NOT represent the people of Nashville,” Rich wrote in a Twitter post.

Experts debunk Phil Williams' claim linking Donald Trump's hiring freeze to DC plane crash

According to WhiskeyRiff, the controversy stemmed from Phil Williams's apparent reference to Trump’s recent hiring freeze and buyout offers for federal employees as potential contributors to the crash.

However, as many experts pointed out, air traffic controllers undergo rigorous training that takes years to complete, making it impossible for the administration's policies to have played a role in the crash just days into the new presidency.

"Entry-level applicants must complete required training courses and spend several months at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City… After graduating the academy, individuals are placed in locations across the country and must gain 1-3 years on-the-job experience before becoming a certified professional controller,” the FAA clarified.

Williams, who initially defended his tweet, eventually deleted it after facing backlash. He clarified his intent, stating that his post had been misunderstood. Despite his explanation, the controversy around his tweet only continued to grow.

Internet demands 'fire Phil Williams' over controversial DC plane crash tweet

As soon as John Rich called out Phil Williams for blaming Trump for the DC plane crash, the internet quickly rallied behind him. Social media users flooded platforms with calls to "FIRE Phil Williams," demanding accountability for his controversial tweet linking the tragedy to the former president's policies.

A user said, "@NC5 please from all of us that live in Tennessee. FIRE Phil Williams!! No one wants him here reporting on anything! He is a joke! If he keeps this crap reporting up. We will have to boycott you!! We have had enough of him!!!"

Another added, "Another NON-journalist calls himself a journalist. What an insult. Phil needs to go."

A third commented, "Yes @NC5 we are holding you totally responsible for the actions of @PhilNvestigates He needs to go."

"Yes and ALL his investigative journalism should be in doubt due to his lack of judgement. If he can post this type of filth I'm sure his story telling investigation are peppered with half truths and false narratives," said one.

A person claimed, "That's absolutely disgusting that they would do that."

Another added, "Disgusting and unacceptable! Shame on him!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.