NTSB member J. Todd Inman fired over multiple workplace allegations

The White House announced on Monday that it fired NTSB member J. Todd Inman over multiple workplace allegations. Inman joined the board two years ago on March 13, 2024. He formerly served as chief of staff at the Department of Transportation during President Donald Trump's first term. He was prominent in the board's investigation of the Jan. 29, 2025 midair collision between a Bombardier CRJ 700 acting as American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Army helicopter that killed 67 people. He was the board member on duty the night of the accident, and was the first member of the panel to respond to the scene, according to New York Times. "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," said White House spokesman Kush Desai. "The Trump administration remains committed to maintaining safety and security for Americans in the air and on the ground." In a statement, Inman said he received notice from the White House Presidential Personnel Office on Friday that he was terminated effective immediately. He claimed the firing was a political hit job and denies the allegations. Inman has publicly clashed with Chair Jennifer Homendy. Most recently, Homendy chastised him at the probable cause hearing for the midair crash for barely meeting the deadline for returning comments on the final report to NTSB staff, according to the Air Current. RELATED STORIES: NTSB releases final report on Potomac Midair CollisionSenate confirms American Airline pilot John DeLeeuw as member of NTSB Trump administration appoints American Airline pilot John DeLeeuw to NTSB "It has become increasingly obvious this action was a political hit job," said Inman said, according to CBS News. "While not my original intent, I look forward to defending my reputation against those responsible with every legal means possible." Inman is the second member of the board to be removed in the last year. The White House fired then-NTSB Vice Chair Alvin ?Brown in May, 2025. Trump has never explained why he moved to oust Brown, who is suing the administration over his removal.