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Trump Criticizes Buttigieg Over Key Bridge Collapse

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, January 27th 2026 at 6:24 GMT by The Raw Story
      Locales: Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, UNITED STATES

New Castle, Delaware - January 27th, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump seized on the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, launching a sharp critique of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and suggesting the disaster could have been averted under his leadership. Speaking at a rally in New Castle, Delaware, on Monday evening, Trump characterized Buttigieg as "completely incompetent" and asserted that the bridge's rapid reconstruction would already be underway if he were in office.

The collapse occurred early Tuesday morning when a large container ship, the Dali, struck the Key Bridge, causing a significant portion of the structure to plunge into the Patapsco River. The incident has halted port operations and triggered a massive search and rescue effort for missing individuals presumed to be construction workers repairing potholes on the bridge at the time of the impact.

Trump's remarks represent a continuation of his tendency to politicize national tragedies and offer contrasting visions of leadership. He consistently framed the situation as preventable, stating, "This wouldn't have happened with me. We would have had it fixed already." He reiterated a familiar theme of past accomplishments, highlighting infrastructure projects initiated during his presidency and suggesting his administration's efficiency would have resulted in a much quicker resolution to the Baltimore crisis.

"We had some of the biggest infrastructure projects ever done," Trump declared to the assembled crowd. "I would have had this fixed already, believe me."

Secretary Buttigieg, meanwhile, visited Baltimore on Monday, engaging with state and local officials and conducting a tour of the wreckage. His messaging focused on the immediate priorities: the safe removal of the stricken ship, the clearance of the vital shipping channel, and ensuring the wellbeing of the workers involved in the recovery operation. Buttigieg also cautioned that the investigation into the cause of the collapse would likely be a protracted process, potentially spanning weeks or even months.

This timeline - the projected length of the investigation - appears to be a key trigger for Trump's criticism. The lengthy process contrasts sharply with the former president's promise of swift action, providing a clear opportunity to frame Buttigieg's administration as slow and unresponsive.

Broader Context & Potential Impacts

The Key Bridge collapse carries significant economic ramifications. The Port of Baltimore is a critical hub for American trade, particularly for the import and export of vehicles, coal, and agricultural products. The closure of the port will undoubtedly disrupt supply chains and inflict economic losses on businesses and communities both domestically and internationally. While the Biden administration has pledged full federal support for the recovery efforts, the disruption is expected to ripple through the economy for a considerable period.

This incident also puts renewed scrutiny on the nation's infrastructure. While the Biden administration has prioritized infrastructure spending, Trump's critique underscores a political debate regarding the effectiveness and urgency of such investments. Republicans have often argued for streamlined processes and prioritizing projects based on cost-benefit analysis, while Democrats have emphasized the social and economic benefits of investing in neglected infrastructure.

The political fallout from the bridge collapse is likely to intensify as the investigation unfolds. Trump's attacks on Buttigieg are expected to be a recurring feature of his campaign messaging, and the incident will likely be used to frame a broader narrative of Republican competence versus Democratic inefficiency. Public perception of the Biden administration's handling of the crisis will be crucial in shaping the political landscape heading into the 2028 presidential election. Analysts suggest that any perceived missteps in the response could be exploited by Republicans to further undermine the administration's credibility.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the collapse, and their findings will be critical in determining accountability and preventing future tragedies. The focus of the investigation is expected to include the ship's navigation, the bridge's structural integrity, and adherence to safety protocols.