The White House Presidential Personnel Office fired Todd Inman from the National Transportation Safety Board after two years in his role. Inman told CBS News, "To date, I have not received any reason for this termination."
This change shortens a typical five-year term for NTSB board members. Inman was the initial on-scene spokesman for a midair collision over Washington, D.C., last January.
Inman joined the NTSB after President Biden appointed him. Inman described his service as "a great honor" in his CBS News statement.
Inman became emotional in a CBS News interview about the D.C. crash, saying, "When you look over and see those bodies laying, that's someone's family, it could be yours."
His perspective emphasized regulating safety for the public. Inman noted that these events changed his view and took a toll on his family.
The NTSB consists of five board members who investigate fatal aviation accidents and other transportation incidents. The agency lacks regulatory authority but issues safety recommendations based on its findings.
The White House declined to comment on Inman's firing or provide a reason for his removal. Inman is the second Biden-appointed NTSB board member removed by the Trump administration.
Todd Inman left the National Transportation Safety Board after two years in his role. The White House Presidential Personnel Office fired him on behalf of President Trump, according to Inman's statement to CBS News. Inman said, "To date, I have not received any reason for this termination."
This change shortens a typical five-year term for NTSB board members. Inman was the initial on-scene spokesman for a midair collision over Washington, D.C., last January. The incident involved a regional American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk helicopter, where 67 people died.
Such shifts in federal positions can alter how safety investigations proceed. Inman's departure means one less expert for probing aviation accidents, potentially delaying recommendations that protect travelers.
Inman joined the NTSB after President Biden appointed him, with Senate confirmation in March 2024. He previously worked as a Department of Transportation official during Trump's first term. Inman described his service as "a great honor" in his CBS News statement.
He highlighted responding to "two of the largest aviation incidents in the past two decades." Inman became emotional in a CBS News interview about the D.C. crash, saying, "When you look over and see those bodies laying, that's someone's family, it could be yours."
His perspective emphasized regulating safety for the public. Inman noted that these events changed his view and took a toll on his family.
The NTSB consists of five board members who investigate fatal aviation accidents and other transportation incidents. In May 2025, the Trump administration fired another Biden-appointed member, Alvin Brown. John Deleeuw, formerly American Airlines' top safety executive, was confirmed as Brown's replacement on February 25.
These moves represent consecutive changes in the board's composition. The agency lacks regulatory authority but issues safety recommendations based on its findings. Inman's exit follows closely after the board added its fifth member.
Such turnover could affect the board's operations and expertise. Experts like Inman bring specific experience to accident analyses.
The White House has not commented on Inman's firing, as confirmed by CBS News inquiries. This silence leaves questions about the reasoning behind personnel decisions in federal agencies. Inman was the only board member mentioned in recent reports as being removed.
Other White House activities include halting a security bulletin on Iran-related threats, as reported by Reuters. The administration also announced events like a UFC card at the White House for June 14, featuring fights such as Ilia Topuria versus Justin Gaethje.
These broader actions show the White House managing multiple fronts. Inman's case highlights how personnel changes might influence independent safety probes.
Families affected by transportation accidents now face uncertainty in oversight. Inman's emotional response to crash sites underscores the human cost of delays in safety measures. Travelers may encounter longer waits for accident recommendations that could prevent future incidents.
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