On February 16, 2025, British journalist and political commentator Mehdi Hasan ignited a firestorm of controversy with a provocative X post that many interpreted as insensitive in the wake of a tragic small plane crash in Georgia.
The post, which read “Make American Planes Crash Again,” was shared alongside a NewsWire US report detailing the deaths of two individuals in a crash at Covington Airport. The statement, mimicking the structure of the political slogan “Make America Great Again,” has left social media users divided, with some accusing Hasan of mocking the victims, while others defend it as satirical commentary.
The NewsWire US report, posted on the same day, confirmed that a small plane crashed at Covington Airport in Georgia, resulting in the deaths of two people. The tragic event, which occurred on February 16, drew significant attention, with the story amassing 95,000 views on X by the evening. It was in response to this report that Hasan, a well-known journalist affiliated with Zeteo and a frequent commentator on U.S. politics, shared his now-viral statement.
Hasan’s post quickly garnered 178 retweets, 818 likes, and 25,000 views, reflecting its polarizing impact. The phrase “Make American Planes Crash Again” appears to draw a parallel to the Trump-era slogan “Make America Great Again,” suggesting a critique—possibly of U.S. aviation safety, infrastructure, or political leadership. However, the timing and subject matter of the post, directly following a report of a fatal crash, led many to question whether the comment crossed a line into insensitivity or outright mockery of the victims.
The reaction on X was swift and varied. Some users condemned Hasan, arguing that his post trivialized the deaths of the two individuals involved in the crash. “This is disgusting. Two people just died, and this is how you respond?” wrote one user, echoing the sentiments of those who saw the post as crass and disrespectful. Others accused Hasan of exploiting tragedy for attention, with comments like, “Using a deadly plane crash for a cheap political jab is beyond low.”
Conversely, Hasan’s supporters argued that the post was intended as political satire or dark humor, not a direct attack on the victims. “It’s obviously a jab at MAGA, not the people who died,” one defender wrote, suggesting that the statement was meant to critique broader systemic issues rather than mock the specific incident. Others pointed to Hasan’s history as a sharp political commentator, noting that his style often leans into provocative rhetoric to spark debate.
Hasan has not yet clarified the intent behind the post, leaving room for speculation. As of February 18, 2025, neither Hasan nor his employer, Zeteo, have issued a public statement addressing the backlash or explaining the post’s context.
Mehdi Hasan, a British-American journalist and former MSNBC host, is no stranger to controversy. Known for his incisive critiques of U.S. politics, foreign policy, and social issues, Hasan has built a reputation as a polarizing figure. His work often targets conservative policies and figures, and his use of satire and sharp rhetoric has earned him both praise and criticism. The “Make American Planes Crash Again” post aligns with this pattern, but its proximity to a real tragedy has amplified the backlash.
The Covington Airport crash itself remains under investigation, with limited details available about the cause or the identities of the victims. The incident has drawn attention to small aircraft safety in the U.S., an issue that could have been the intended target of Hasan’s commentary. However, the lack of explicit clarification has fueled the perception among some that the post was ill-timed or insensitive.