White House Fires NTSB Board Member Over Misconduct Allegations

Todd Inman was removed from the National Transportation Safety Board after reports of inappropriate behavior and alcohol use on the job.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The White House announced on Monday that it had fired National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman following reports of inappropriate behavior, including allegations of alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings. Inman has denied the allegations, calling the action a "political hit job" and stating he plans to defend his reputation through legal means.

Why it matters

The NTSB is an independent federal agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents and making safety recommendations. Allegations of misconduct by a board member could undermine public trust in the agency's impartiality and ability to carry out its critical safety mission.

The details

According to the White House statement, Inman was "lawfully removed" from the NTSB after the administration received "highly concerning reports" of inappropriate behavior, including alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, and misuse of government resources. Inman has denied the allegations, calling the action a "political hit job" and stating he plans to defend his reputation through legal means.

  • On Monday, March 9, 2026, the White House announced Inman's firing.

The players

Todd Inman

A former member of the National Transportation Safety Board who was fired by the White House over allegations of misconduct.

Kush Desai

A White House spokesman who announced Inman's firing and the reasons behind it.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

An independent federal agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents and making safety recommendations.

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What they’re saying

“It has become increasingly obvious this action was a political hit job. While not my original intent I look forward to defending my reputation through all legal means possible.”

— Todd Inman (gvwire.com)

“Inman was lawfully removed 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.”

— Kush Desai, White House spokesman (gvwire.com)

What’s next

Inman has stated he plans to defend his reputation through legal means, so the next step will likely be a legal battle over his dismissal.

The takeaway

The firing of an NTSB board member over misconduct allegations raises concerns about the agency's integrity and the need for strong oversight and accountability measures to ensure the public's trust in transportation safety investigations.