Another NTSB Board Member Prematurely Dismissed

The leadership turmoil at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues, as another board member was removed by the White House without notice.

J. Todd Inman was nominated by President Biden two years ago, as a Republican, to fill a vacant seat on the independent agency that is responsible for conducting investigations into aviation, maritime, railway, and roadway accidents. He was confirmed by the Senate on March 8 for a five-year term slated to end in 2029.

"On Friday, March 6, I received notice from the White House PPO that on behalf of Donald J. Trump, my position on the National Transportation Safety Board was terminated effective immediately,” Inman said in a statement. “To date, I have not received any reason for this termination.” His biography has been removed from the agency’s website.

“My thanks to staff and investigators at the NTSB, they are truly world-class,” Inman added. “My only hope is that the NTSB leadership and those who control it stay true to its roots and culture as the preeminent safety organization unimpeded by political or personal agendas.”

While NTSB board members typically serve fixed terms and are rarely removed before their term expires, this is the second instance of this occurring from this administration, following last year’s unexpected removal of NTSB vice chair Alvin Brown, whose term was set to expire at the end of 2026.

Brown’s lawsuit against the administration to regain his position has yet to be resolved, but that did not prevent the Senate from voting in late February to confirm John DeLeeuw to fill out the remainder of Brown's term. The NTSB has not yet announced the swearing in of DeLeeuw, who brings deep aviation safety experience to the board.