Trump: Amtrak derailment shows need for infrastructure plan

close

Video

Trump infrastructure plan: Fmr. HUD secretary weighs in

Former U.S. HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros on President Trump’s infrastructure plan.

President Trump said Monday that the deadly Amtrak derailment shows the need for a new infrastructure plan, while offering his “thoughts and prayers” to the victims of the Washington state tragedy.

“The train accident that just occurred in DuPont, WA shows more than ever why our soon to be submitted infrastructure plan must be approved quickly. Seven trillion dollars spent in the Middle East while our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways (and more) crumble! Not for long!” Trump tweeted.

Moments later, he added: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the train accident in DuPont, Washington. Thank you to all of our wonderful First Responders who are on the scene. We are currently monitoring here at the White House.”

Trump echoed the remarks at the top of an address Monday afternoon unveiling his administration’s new national security strategy.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities,” Trump said of the train crash.

The Washington train was carrying more than 80 people when it derailed Monday outside of Tacoma — causing several train cars to tumble from an overpass onto an interstate highway, officials said.

At least six people are reported dead.

"Multiple fatalities" were reported after Amtrak train 501 derailed about 7:30 a.m. along Interstate 5 as it was leaving the new Tacoma station, Pierce County Sheriff's Spokesman Ed Troyer said.

The train was traveling southbound from Seattle when it derailed.

Police also said several cars were struck by the Amtrak train cars, injuring multiple drivers on the highway.

While Trump pushed anew for an infrastructure plan on Monday, he has not yet unveiled one. Congress right now is still dealing with a major tax reform package and deliberations over how to keep the government funded after a Dec. 22 deadline. Trump may look to push the infrastructure plan after the tax package is considered.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.