White House Fires NTSB Member, Citing Misconduct

Todd Inman denies the allegations and plans to fight the dismissal through legal means.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The White House has fired a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member, Todd Inman, citing 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. However, Inman has denied the allegations and said he plans to defend his reputation through legal action.

Why it matters

The firing of an NTSB board member is highly unusual, as the agency is supposed to be independent and nonpartisan. This move by the Trump administration raises questions about political interference in the agency's work and the potential impact on its investigations of major transportation incidents.

The details

The White House said it believes the firing of Inman, a Republican appointed during the Biden administration, is justified based on the reports of misconduct. Inman, however, has denied the allegations and said he plans to fight the dismissal in court. The NTSB currently has only three members listed on its website, but the U.S. Senate has recently confirmed a fourth member, John DeLeeuw, an American Airlines executive.

  • On Friday, March 6, 2026, the White House fired Todd Inman from the NTSB.
  • Inman's term on the NTSB was supposed to continue through the end of 2027.

The players

Todd Inman

A former NTSB board member who was fired by the White House, despite his denial of the allegations of misconduct.

Kush Desai

A White House spokesman who stated that Inman was fired due to reports of inappropriate alcohol use, harassment of staff, misuse of government resources, and failure to attend NTSB meetings.

John DeLeeuw

An American Airlines executive who was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the fourth member of the NTSB.

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What they’re saying

“I categorically deny the allegations made in the White House statement. It has become increasingly obvious this action was a political hit job.”

— Todd Inman

“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.”

— Kush Desai, White House spokesman

What’s next

Inman plans to defend his reputation through legal means, and the legal services group Democracy Forward has filed discrimination claims on behalf of two other fired board members.

The takeaway

The firing of an NTSB board member by the White House raises concerns about political interference in the independent agency's work, and highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the federal government's oversight of transportation safety.