White House Fires NTSB Board Member After Misconduct Reports

Todd Inman removed from National Transportation Safety Board following allegations of inappropriate behavior and absenteeism.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The White House announced it has fired National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman after receiving reports of inappropriate behavior, including alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, misuse of government resources, and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings. Inman denied the allegations, calling his dismissal a "political hit job." The NTSB did not immediately comment on the White House's decision.

Why it matters

The NTSB plays a critical role in investigating transportation accidents and making safety recommendations. Allegations of misconduct by a board member could undermine public trust in the agency's ability to fulfill its duties impartially and effectively.

The details

According to the White House, Inman was lawfully removed from the NTSB after the administration received "highly concerning reports" about his behavior. Inman, a Republican former chief of staff to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao during the Trump administration, had served on the NTSB since March 2024. He had been the on-scene board member for two high-profile accidents: the 2025 collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people, and the 2025 crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville, Kentucky that killed 15 people.

  • Inman was fired by the White House on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • Inman had served on the NTSB since March 2024.

The players

Todd Inman

A Republican former chief of staff to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao during the Trump administration, who had served on the NTSB since March 2024.

Jennifer Homendy

The current chair of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Alvin Brown

The former vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, who was fired by the White House in May and has filed a lawsuit challenging his dismissal.

John DeLeeuw

A former managing director of safety and efficiency for American Airlines and a Boeing 787 captain, who was recently confirmed by the Senate to fill Brown's seat on the NTSB.

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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

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Inman has indicated he plans to defend his reputation through legal means following his dismissal from the NTSB.

The takeaway

The firing of an NTSB board member over allegations of misconduct raises concerns about the agency's ability to maintain public trust and carry out its critical role in transportation safety investigations. The situation underscores the need for strong oversight and accountability measures within federal agencies tasked with protecting the public interest.