Brooklyn Bridge Crash: Senator Blames DOGE Cuts & Trump Meddling

Brooklyn Bridge Crash: Senator Links Tragedy to DOGE Cuts

A Mexican navy training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday evening, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries.

Senator's Claims

Senator Chuck Schumer has suggested that recent budget and staffing cuts within the US Coast Guard, implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration, may have been a contributing factor. He cited potential interference from the Trump administration compromising the Coast Guard's response capabilities, specifically the Vehicle Traffic System.

The Incident

The Cuauhtémoc lost steering due to a mechanical failure, drifting into the bridge. The Coast Guard immediately responded. The incident prompted a temporary closure of the Brooklyn Bridge for inspection. The mast height of the ship at 160 feet exceeding the bridge clearance of 127 feet at high tide was a key factor.

Background

DOGE, led by Elon Musk, implemented budget cuts across various government agencies earlier this year.