White House Fires NTSB Board Member Inman, He Claims

A significant development has taken place within the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). On March 8, 2025, Todd Inman was dismissed by the White House from his position as a board member, a removal that came with no provided explanation.

Background on Todd Inman

Todd Inman, a Republican, had been a member of the NTSB since April 2024. Prior to his appointment, he served as the chief of staff for Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao during Donald Trump’s presidency.

Notable Incidents

Inman was onboard as the NTSB member for key investigations, including:

• The collision involving American Eagle flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport on January 31, 2025, which resulted in 67 fatalities.
• A November 2024 crash of a UPS cargo plane which claimed 15 lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Response from the White House and Other Officials

The White House has not provided a comment regarding Inman’s termination. Following his dismissal, his profile was removed from the NTSB website. An email circulated among NTSB senior leaders confirmed the termination of Inman’s position.

This change follows another notable dismissal in May when the White House fired former NTSB Vice Chair Alvin Brown. Brown, a Democrat and the first African American mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, has initiated legal action challenging his removal.

NTSB’s Role and Responsibilities

The NTSB is responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and significant incidents in other transportation sectors, including highways, marine, pipelines, and railroads. Their mission is to determine the causes of accidents and propose safety recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies.

Inman’s Reflections on Service

Todd Inman expressed that serving on the NTSB was a profound honor. He acknowledged the psychological toll that witnessing catastrophic accidents had on him and his family. He also remarked on how these experiences shifted his viewpoint regarding safety regulations for the traveling public.

Upcoming Changes in NTSB Leadership

Recently, the Senate confirmed John DeLeeuw, previously the managing director of safety and efficiency for American Airlines and a captain of the Boeing 787, to take Brown’s seat on the board.

As the NTSB navigates this leadership transition, the focus on transportation safety and accident investigations remains critical for public welfare.