White House Fires NTSB Board Member Over Misconduct Allegations

Todd Inman dismissed from independent accident investigation agency after reports of inappropriate behavior and misuse of resources

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The White House has fired a high-profile member of the National Transportation Safety Board, Todd Inman, after receiving "highly concerning" reports of misconduct, including inappropriate alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, and misuse of government resources. Inman, who was appointed by former President Biden, denied the allegations but was dismissed just shy of two years into his five-year term on the independent accident investigation agency.

Why it matters

The NTSB plays a critical role in ensuring transportation safety in the United States, and the dismissal of a board member over misconduct allegations raises questions about leadership challenges at the agency. This incident also highlights the political nature of NTSB appointments and the potential for White House interference in the independent body's work.

The details

White House spokesman Kush Desai confirmed Inman's dismissal, stating the decision followed "highly concerning" reports about his behavior while serving on the NTSB. Inman was accused of inappropriate alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, and misuse of government resources. Inman, a Republican, was originally unaware of the reason for his termination but later denied the allegations. He joined the NTSB in 2024 after being appointed by former President Biden and played a key role in several high-profile accident investigations during his two-year tenure.

  • Inman was appointed to the NTSB in 2024 by former President Biden.
  • Inman was fired by the White House in March 2026, just shy of two years into his five-year term.

The players

Todd Inman

A former NTSB board member who was fired by the White House over allegations of misconduct, including inappropriate alcohol use, harassment of staff, and misuse of government resources.

Kush Desai

A White House spokesman who confirmed Inman's dismissal and cited the "highly concerning" reports that led to the decision.

Alvin Brown

A former NTSB Vice Chairman who was also dismissed by the White House and has since taken legal action against the NTSB and White House, alleging wrongful termination.

John Deleeuw

A former American Airlines safety chief who was recently confirmed by the Senate to serve as the fifth NTSB board member.

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What they’re saying

“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 (Washington Examiner)

What’s next

The dismissal of Inman means the NTSB will again be operating with fewer than its authorized five board members. The president nominates NTSB members, and they are later confirmed by the Senate.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the political nature of NTSB appointments and the potential for White House interference in the independent agency's work. It also raises concerns about leadership challenges at the NTSB, which plays a critical role in ensuring transportation safety in the United States.