The White House has publicly accused a recently dismissed National Transportation Safety Board member of serious misconduct, including drinking on duty and harassing staff, while the ousted official, Todd Inman, vehemently denies the allegations and vows to fight back legally.
White House Statement on Dismissal
On Monday, White House spokesman Kush Desai stated that Todd Inman was lawfully removed from the NTSB after receiving highly concerning reports. The allegations cited inappropriate alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, misuse of government resources, and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings.
Desai emphasised that the Trump administration remains committed to maintaining safety and security for Americans in the air and on the ground. This firing follows an earlier dismissal in May of Vice Chair Alvin Brown, a Democrat appointed by former President Joe Biden.
Inman's Response and Political Context
Todd Inman, a Republican appointed in March 2024 during the Biden administration, revealed on Sunday that he had been fired on Friday without explanation, despite his term being set to continue through the end of 2027. He initially did not plan to sue but now says he looks forward to defending his reputation through all legal means possible.
Inman categorically denies the allegations, stating, "It has become increasingly obvious this action was a political hit job." His dismissal reduces the NTSB board to three listed members, though the recent Senate confirmation of American Airlines executive John DeLeeuw will bring the total to four.
Broader Implications and Investigations
The NTSB, which investigates major crashes of planes, trains, automobiles, and pipeline incidents, is currently handling over 1,000 cases. It makes recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in final reports. The board has declined to comment on Inman's dismissal.
Inman played key roles in high-profile investigations, including as lead board member after last year's midair collision near Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people, and overseeing the initial probe of a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky that killed 15 in November.
Historical Precedent and Legal Challenges
Before last year, it was extremely unusual for board members at independent agencies to be dismissed. However, President Trump has fired members of various boards, such as the Federal Reserve Board and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to clear the way for his own appointees.
The five-member NTSB is traditionally split between three members of the president's party and two from the opposing party. The firings of Brown and Robert Primus, the only Black board members overseeing their respective independent agencies last year, have led to discrimination claims filed by the legal services group Democracy Forward, with both challenging their dismissals in court.
