Partisan Divisions Emerge After Baltimore Bridge Collapse
• Some Republicans blamed Democrats and diversity policies for the Baltimore bridge collapse, without evidence. Rep. Mace tied it to infrastructure spending, Rep. Van Drew criticized Transportation Secretary Buttigieg.
• Congressional candidate Anthony Sabatini and Utah Rep. Phil Lyman specifically blamed diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. Lyman later backtracked on critical comments about a Black commissioner.
• Far-right figures like Rep. Greene and Matt Schlapp raised unfounded ideas of an attack or unqualified workers. Fox News' Bartiromo connected it to border security.
• Maryland Republicans aimed for a more unifying message, standing with the Democratic governor. A local GOP official said the focus should remain on the lives lost.
• Early reactions exposed partisan finger-pointing and conspiracy theories before facts were known about the deadly construction accident.