White House Dismisses Republican NTSB Board Member Without Explanation

Todd Inman, a Republican member of the National Transportation Safety Board, says the White House terminated him Friday without providing any reason. Inman had been investigating major aviation disasters including the recent American Airlines helicopter collision that killed 67 people.

A Republican transportation safety official claims the White House dismissed him from his federal position Friday without providing any justification for the decision.

Todd Inman, who had been serving on the National Transportation Safety Board since April 2024, announced Sunday that his employment was terminated. Inman previously worked as chief of staff to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao when Donald Trump was president.

During his tenure at the NTSB, Inman led investigations into two major aviation tragedies. He served as the primary board representative at the scene of January’s deadly collision between an American Airlines aircraft and an Army helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, which claimed 67 lives. He also investigated November’s UPS cargo aircraft crash during takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky, where 15 people died.

White House officials have not responded to media inquiries about Inman’s dismissal. The NTSB removed Inman’s information from their official website Sunday and notified senior staff via email that his role had been terminated, according to internal communications obtained by news outlets.

NTSB representatives declined to provide additional details about the situation.

This marks the second time this year the White House has removed an NTSB board member. In May, officials fired Vice Chair Alvin Brown, a Democratic appointee who previously served as Jacksonville, Florida’s first African American mayor. Brown has since filed a lawsuit contesting his removal.

The NTSB handles investigations for all civilian aircraft incidents and examines major accidents involving highways, waterways, pipelines, and railways. The agency determines what caused these incidents and issues safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

Reflecting on his service, Inman expressed gratitude for his time at the agency. “Witnessing these horrible accidents have undoubtedly taken a toll on me and my family and has changed my perspective in a positive way on how we regulate safety for the traveling public,” Inman stated.

The Senate recently confirmed John DeLeeuw to replace Brown’s vacant position. DeLeeuw previously worked as American Airlines’ managing director of safety and efficiency and served as a Boeing 787 captain.