January 29th's tragic aviation accident near Reagan National Airport was a moment that should have united us in grief, support, and a commitment to understanding what went wrong.

Instead, it became yet another opportunity for political division, as President Trump wasted no time assigning blame—this time to the FAA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Before any official reports had been released, before any investigation had even begun, he framed the tragedy as an example of “woke incompetence.”
This isn’t just reckless—IT'S DANGEROUS!
And the rhetoric escalates. A mere two days after the crash, and while responders are still trying to recover the bodies of loved ones, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defends Trump's claims and actions directed at the FAA with the asinine statement, "When you are flying on a plane with your loved ones, which everyone one of us in this room has, do you pray that your plane lands safely and gets you to your destination or do you pray that the pilot has a certain skin color?"

For thousands of years, history has shown us that the most effective way for a leader to consolidate power is to divide people. The tactic is simple: create an enemy where none exists, sow distrust, and present yourself as the only solution. We’ve seen this play out time and again, with terrifying consequences.
In Trump’s America, polarization is the fuel that keeps his political machine running. He has systematically deepened the ideological chasm between the "right" and the "left", reinforcing the notion that anyone who does not subscribe to his worldview is not just an opponent, but an existential threat. His playbook follows a well-worn path:
1: Create an Enemy
First, it was illegal immigrants—painted as criminals, drug dealers, and rapists. Then, it was the "deep state". More recently, DEI initiatives have become the latest target. Trump’s message? America’s problems aren’t systemic or complex; they are caused by "outsiders" undermining the nation’s greatness.
More alarmingly, Trump's playbook has now begun expanding to include "enemies" beyond U.S. borders. Canada, long considered an ally, is now being painted as a contributor to America’s problems—accused of lax border security, fueling the fentanyl crisis, and serving as a gateway for illegal immigration. In response, he has threatened and is about to impose severe economic repercussions, including a 25% tariff on Canadian goods starting February 1st. This echoes past and present rhetoric used against Mexico and underscores his broader strategy of isolationism and economic coercion.
2. Exploit Crisis for Political (and Financial) Gain
In the wake of any national tragedy, there are two kinds of leaders: those who bring people together, and those who use the moment to reinforce their agenda. Trump has consistently chosen the latter. Whether it was the COVID-19 pandemic (blaming China), the January 6th insurrection (blaming Antifa, the FBI), or now, a devastating aviation accident (blaming DEI), the goal is always the same: weaponize fear and redirect anger.
3. Dismantle Systems of Equity
DEI programs exist to address historical and systemic barriers, ensuring that all people—regardless of background—have access to opportunities. The attack on DEI is not about "merit" or "competence" (as some would have you believe); it’s about maintaining power structures that benefit the few at the expense of the many. All one has to do is consider the US elite sitting beside Trump at his inauguration... those with unimaginable wealth and power and... who want more.
4. Divide to Conquer
By portraying the world in stark binaries—patriots vs. traitors, real Americans vs. criminals, competent workers vs. "diversity hires"—Trump ensures that his supporters stay locked in a war-like mentality, unable or unwilling to see nuance. This is not the rhetoric of a unifying leader; it is the strategy of someone who thrives on division.
I'll say what a lot of people may be thinking... It's impossible to ignore the historical parallels. Pre-WWII Germany saw the systematic scapegoating of certain groups as a way to galvanize public support and consolidate power. The same tactics—fear-mongering, enemy creation, and erosion of democratic institutions—are at play today.
Leaders who divide rather than unite are not serving the people—they are serving themselves. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that the silence of good people is what enables the worst actors to succeed.
It’s time to push back against rhetoric that dehumanizes, that weaponizes tragedy, and that prioritizes political gain over truth. Leadership should be about bringing people together, not tearing them apart.
How do we, as professionals, navigate and counteract this kind of divisive rhetoric? I know some will disagree with my take, and that’s okay. Let’s have the conversation (but do try to keep it respectful... our children may be reading and listening and they are the ones who inherit this world that we have simply borrowed for a short and very sad period of time.
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