The White House dismissed National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman on March 6, 2026, citing reports of inappropriate alcohol use on the job, staff harassment, misuse of government resources, and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings. White House spokesman Kush Desai stated, “The White House lawfully removed Todd Inman from the NTSB after receiving highly concerning reports of inappropriate alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, misuse of government resources, and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings.” The administration emphasized its commitment to air and ground safety.
Inman, a Republican appointed in March 2024 by former President Joe Biden with a term extending to 2027, revealed the firing on March 8 without initial explanation. On March 9, he denied the allegations, calling the action “a political hit job” and announcing plans to defend his reputation through legal means. Inman previously served as chief of staff at the Department of Transportation during President Trump’s first term.
During his tenure, Inman led on-scene investigations into major aviation incidents, including the 2025 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport between an American Airlines jet and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, which killed 67 people, and the November UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, that killed 15. The NTSB, an independent agency with five members, probes civil aviation accidents and issues safety recommendations across transportation modes. This follows the prior dismissal of NTSB Vice Chairman Alvin Brown.