In a briefing that recalled his most extreme first term remarks, President Trump said without any evidence that diversity initiatives caused the midair collision.

Authorities declined to say what may have caused the deadly plane crash in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night while the investigation is underway, even as President Trump and his allies sought to politicize the incident by blaming diversity efforts.

Trump on Thursday criticized hiring practices of his predecessor that promoted diversity, equity and inclusion.

Trump acknowledged that it was too soon to draw conclusions as he encouraged the nation to pray for the victims. But he moved nonetheless to assign blame.

President Donald Trump provided little new information about the cause of Wednesday’s deadly air collision in Washington between an American Airlines Group Inc. regional jet and a military helicopter,