Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - Aujourd'hui 06:16

Trump’s hypocrisy, misinformation

KENNY PERSAD IN A hastily called press conference, US President Donald Trump once again demonstrated his penchant for scapegoating and deflecting responsibility. This time, his target was the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and, more specifically, a hiring programme designed to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue careers in air traffic control. Trump erroneously blamed the so-called "previous Biden administration" for implementing the initiative, portraying it as a reckless and dangerous move. Yet, as the facts reveal, this programme was not only launched during Trump’s own presidency in 2019, but it also adhered to the strictest standards of professional and medical qualifications. Trump’s remarks were not just misleading – they were a deliberate distortion of reality that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines a programme rooted in inclusivity and merit. The FAA programme, introduced in 2019, aimed to create pathways for people with disabilities to enter air traffic operations. Far from being a free pass or a lowering of standards, the programme ensured that all candidates underwent rigorous evaluation in terms of aptitude, medical fitness, and security clearance – identical to the criteria applied to any other applicant. The FAA itself emphasised this point in its 2019 press release, stating that the programme was designed to "help prepare people with disabilities for careers in air traffic operations" without compromising on the qualifications required for the role. By the time one of the first few graduates joined the workforce as an air traffic control trainee in 2021, the programme had already demonstrated its success in identifying and training capable individuals who met the FAA's high standards. Yet Trump’s comments not only ignored this reality, but actively sought to reframe the narrative in a way that was both dishonest and damaging. What makes this incident particularly egregious is the sheer hypocrisy of Trump’s remarks. Blaming the Biden administration for a programme that was launched under his own leadership is not just disingenuous – it’s an outright lie. This is not merely a case of misremembering timelines or conflating facts; it is a calculated attempt to shift blame and sow distrust for political gain. In doing so, Trump not only abdicates responsibility for a programme initiated on his watch, but also weaponises misinformation to stoke public fear and prejudice. Moreover, Trump’s comments perpetuate a dangerous and regressive narrative about people with disabilities. By implying that their inclusion in such critical roles is inherently problematic, he reinforces outdated stereotypes that equate disability with incompetence. This kind of rhetoric undermines the progress made toward creating a more inclusive workforce and casts doubt on the abilities of individuals who have already proven themselves qualified. It also ignores the legal and ethical frameworks, such as Schedule A hiring authorities, that ensure individuals with disabilities are given fair opportunities without compromising professional standards. Schedule A appointments, which allow federal agencies to non-competitively hire individuals with severe disabilities, are not about lowering the bar – they are about removing unnecessary barriers. Candidates hired under this authority must still meet all job-specific requirements and qualifications. By wilfully ignoring this context, Trump’s statements not only distort the , but also vilify a programme that seeks to level the playing field for historically marginalised individuals. What is perhaps most troubling about this episode is the broader implications of Trump’s rhetoric. By undermining trust in the FAA’s hiring practices and falsely attributing them to his political opponents, he detracts from real conversations about the challenges facing the aviation industry. Instead of addressing systemic issues or offering constructive solutions, Trump opts for divisive and factually baseless attacks that erode public confidence in institutions. This incident is emblematic of a larger pattern in Trump’s approach to governance and public discourse: one that prioritises blame-shifting, misinformation, and self-preservation over accountability and truth. It is not enough to simply recognise these tactics for what they are – they must be called out and confronted. The FAA programme in question was not only a step forward in terms of inclusivity, but also a testament to the idea that merit and capability can come from all corners of society. To distort this progress for political expediency is both irresponsible and morally bankrupt. At its core, Trump’s attack on the FAA’s hiring initiative for individuals with disabilities reveals more about his own failures than it does about the programme itself. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing misinformation and prejudice to dominate public discourse. If any society is to move forward, it must demand better – not only from it leaders, but also from its citizens in holding them accountable to the truth. The post Trump’s hypocrisy, misinformation appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.