The White House on Friday doubled down on its criticism of federal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and President Trump's suggestion — without evidence — that such efforts may have contributed to Wednesday night's deadly collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter.

The White House continues to point the finger at DEI policies after a plane and helicopter collided near Washington D.C., as investigators have said it will take time to determine the cause of the crash.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will address the media, as senate confirmation hearings continue on Capitol Hill and the investigation into the collision of an American Airlines passenger plane and an Army helicopter continues.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt held a press briefing Friday afternoon, just days after a fatal plane crash that killed more than 60 people outside Washington, D.C., provided an early test for the Trump administration.