In the aftermath of a fatal crash involving a Mexican Navy training ship and the Brooklyn Bridge, Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling for a federal investigation — and pointing fingers squarely at the Trump administration.
The vessel, Cuauhtémoc, was departing New York Harbor around 9 p.m. Saturday as part of a goodwill tour when it struck the iconic bridge. Onboard were 277 crew members. Two tragically fell from the ship’s masts and died upon impact. At least 19 others were injured and required medical attention.
At his Sunday press briefing, Schumer alleged that budget reductions and personnel changes initiated under President Donald Trump may have compromised the U.S. Coast Guard’s ability to prevent such incidents.
“I have the general sense of a DOGE dysfunction in parts of the Coast Guard,” Schumer told reporters, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which oversees federal agency streamlining.
Schumer claimed that the Trump administration’s “meddling” with Coast Guard staffing and oversight — particularly through DOGE — could have directly affected the Coast Guard’s command and coordination efforts the night of the crash.
Earlier this year, DOGE slashed $32.7 million from the Coast Guard’s budget, citing the shutdown of what it called a “poorly performing” IT program known as CG-LIMS (Logistics Information Management System), according to a report from Fox News.
Schumer also revisited a controversial decision early in Trump’s presidency to remove the Coast Guard’s female commander. The ousting reportedly stemmed from disagreements over her emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion — priorities that clashed with the Trump administration’s focus on traditional military readiness.
Schumer Questions Command and Control Systems
The Senate minority leader further questioned whether the Coast Guard’s Vehicle Traffic Service (VTS) — essentially the maritime equivalent of air traffic control — was functioning properly. He suggested a hiring freeze might have left the system undermanned or poorly managed.
“There are indications that this service called the VTS may not have been fully or adequately functional in light of that hiring freeze,” Schumer said. “We need answers. If this were the case, [the] Brooklyn Bridge accident could be a national harbinger, demanding immediate attention.”
Preliminary Findings Suggest Mechanical Failure
Despite Schumer’s warnings, preliminary assessments from New York City police officials point to mechanical failure as the likely cause. NYPD Chief of Special Operations Wilson Aramboles stated the Cuauhtémoc appeared to lose power just before the crash.
“The captain that was maneuvering the ship lost, I guess, power of the ship,” Aramboles said, noting that the conclusion was still tentative.
Environmental factors may have compounded the problem. At the time, the East River’s tide had just turned, with faster currents and wind gusts reaching 10 mph — both of which can complicate navigation for tall-masted vessels.
Authorities are also investigating whether a tugboat escort disengaged from the ship too early. It remains unclear whether the Cuauhtémoc should have received additional guidance before entering the open channel.
Federal and International Investigations Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation, though final results may take months. Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the 142-year-old bridge suffered no major structural damage.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered condolences to the families of the deceased, including cadet América Yamilet Sánchez, who was identified as one of the victims. She also thanked Mayor Adams for his cooperation and confirmed the Mexican Embassy and Consulate General in New York are supporting the ongoing response.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss… Our sympathy and support go out to their families,” Sheinbaum posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Medical care is reportedly being provided to the injured crew members, and both nations have pledged continued cooperation as investigations unfold.
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Schumer is desperate. He realizes his political future is dim and will look for anything to distract from his failures. Time to go Chucky.
Without any evidence whatsoever, he blames Trump administration. He has the ultimate TDS. No wonder the Democrats are in the toilet. Try working with the administration instead of against them. Or better yet, retire.
Schumer – who, to my knowledge, has NO Education, Training, Experience, or Expertise in Nautical Matters (he couldn’t tell a Back Stay from a Garboard Strake) – should just SHUT UP.
Shut up, Chucky Let the pros do their job.
Chucky’s naval experience consist of one visit to Old Navy.
Schumer – the consumer TDS- sufferer, has said enough. He’s blinded to truth and bound to the evil one! Frankly, nothing he says is worth one iota of consideration. He and his minions’ goals are to destroy our nation!
THESE DEM-O-RATS THAT MAKE THESE KIND OF ACCUSATIONS ARE MENTALL ILL SCHMUCKS!!! HOW ABOUT ACTING NORMAL UNTIL THE CAUSE IS IDENTIFIED?! THEY MADE IT INTO PORT BUT SCREWED UP SOME HOW LEAVING PORT!!!
SHMUCKY SCHUMER NEEDS TO TAKE A CLOSET NAP TO REGAIN HIS CIVILITY!!!
Chuck is political slime. What would Trump have to do with a MEXICAN ship losing power? I’d campaign for him to be primaried if it weren’t for AOC.
schumer is such an unbelievable dbag!-smh