Senate minority leader chuck schumer blamed president Trump and DOGE for the brooklyn bridge accident involving a Mexican Navy ship.
A Mexican Navy training ship lost control and hit the bridge, killing two cadets.
Schumer linked the accident to the Trump administration’s policies, specifically a Coast Guard hiring freeze.
He claimed the freeze harmed the Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic System, affecting safety measures.
However, Schumer’s statement sparked intense backlash across social media and government agencies.
Schumer blamed Trump and DOGE for Mexican Navy NYC crash
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blamed President Donald Trump and Doge for the Brooklyn Bridge crash.
During his speech, Schumer argued that Trump’s hiring freeze jeopardized Coast Guard operations.
He said these operations are critical for maintaining bridge and waterway safety.
In his press release, Schumer emphasized the importance of bridges for commerce and safety.
He said Coast Guard staffing reductions risk national security and could cause economic damage.
He wrote: “Bridges serve as critical transportation arteries for commerce, emergency response, and daily travel, and many span key waterways that are vulnerable to both natural and man-made threats. The Coast Guard plays a crucial role in monitoring and securing these areas, deterring potential terrorist attacks, preventing illegal activities, and responding quickly to emergencies,”
Schumer accused Trump’s administration of endangering lives by weakening Coast Guard capabilities.
He suggested the Vessel Traffic System was understaffed due to the alleged hiring freeze.
These claims were contested strongly by conservatives and federal officials alike.
He wrote. “At the same time, maintaining the structural integrity and safety of America’s bridges is critical to the economy and the well-being of communities. A failure or attack on a major bridge could disrupt supply chains, endanger lives, and cause massive economic losses. It is unacceptable that the Trump administration is potentially jeopardizing our national and economic security – as well as American lives.”
DHS and Coast Guard officials denied Schumer’s claims
The Department of Homeland Security called Schumer’s accusations false on social media.
They clarified the Coast Guard was exempt from any hiring freeze during the incident.
“Minority Leader Schumer’s accusations that a hiring freeze led to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Services not being adequately staffed are FALSE,” the official DHS account posted on X.
Additionally, Officials stated the crash was unrelated to Vessel Traffic Services staffing or operations.
The Coast Guard explained that the ship lost propulsion in strong currents, requiring other safety measures.
They urged Schumer to verify facts before misleading the public on sensitive security matters.
“The US Coast Guard has been fully supported and been exempt from hiring freezes. Additionally, this incident had nothing to do with Vessel Traffic Services— when a ship loses propulsion in a high current area, the vessel needs to engage all capabilities to stop and ideally tugs are nearby to support. We encourage Minority Leader Schumer to get his facts straight before he misleads the American people.” DHS added.
Social media reaction
On social media, Prominent conservatives quickly criticized Schumer’s remarks as misguided and politically motivated.
Radio host Mark Levin called Schumer “stupid” and “evil” in response to the accusations.
Other commentators joked about Schumer’s habit of blaming Trump for unrelated incidents.
Some accused Schumer of “Elon and Trump Derangement Syndrome” for deflecting blame onto unrelated parties.
The incident fueled partisan tensions and widespread debate on social media platforms.
Additionally, many viewers criticized Schumer after he blamed Trump and DOGE for the Mexican Navy crash.
One person said: I’m surprised he didn’t say Trump was Captain, and Musk was the Navigator
A second wrote: So the ship being taller than the bridge had nothing to do with….alright then.
While a third commented: I thought it was the Mexian sailors from Home Depot parking lot
Did DOGE cut back on the height of the bridge? Somone else said.
Another user added: It’s nor bizarre at all. So many cuts from essential services. That’s what DOGE intends
Probably right. Coast guard could have warned the captain about the danger. Obviously they weren’t working. Another wrote.