Trump consoles air crash victims then attacks diversity initiatives

Speaking from the White House — just over three miles from the scene — Mr Trump at points acknowledged that it was too soon to draw conclusions as he encouraged the nation to pray for the victims.

US president Donald Trump speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room (Alex Brandon/AP)

US president Donald Trump has questioned the actions of the army helicopter pilot and air traffic controller ahead of a deadly mid-air collision in Washington.

And he quickly veered into politics to speculate that Democrats and diversity initiatives shared blame for the deaths of 67 people.