White House Removes NTSB Member Todd Inman Amid Misconduct Allegations
White House cited alcohol use, harassment and absenteeism; Inman denies allegations and says he will pursue legal defense.
PBS NewsHourWhite House says NTSB member Todd Inman fired over alleged misconduct, which he denies
MEDIAiteWhite House Cites Alcohol and Harassment For Firing Republican NTSB Board Member
Associated PressWhite House says it fired NTSB member over misconduct but Todd Inman denies the allegations
CNBCWhite House fires NTSB board member after reports of concerning behavior
ABC NewsNTSB member says he was fired without explanation by the Trump administration
Overview
The White House said it fired NTSB member Todd Inman after reports of inappropriate alcohol use, staff harassment, misuse of resources and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings, spokesman Kush Desai said.
Inman said he received notice Friday that his position was terminated effective immediately, he denied the allegations and said he will defend his reputation through all legal means possible.
Inman was the on-scene board member after a midair collision near Washington that killed 67 people and he oversaw the initial investigation of a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky that killed 15 people.
The NTSB website listed three members, the Senate recently confirmed John DeLeeuw as a fourth, and the board will be split 2-2 between the parties, enabling the president to appoint a third Republican.
The NTSB is investigating roughly 1,000 to 1,250 cases and faces staffing and legal fallout after earlier abrupt removals, including the May firing of Vice Chair Alvin Brown, who has challenged his dismissal in court.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by foregrounding the White House's allegations and official language, then placing Inman's denial later, emphasizing misconduct claims, his Republican ties, and involvement in deadly crashes. Editorial choices — selection of quotes, ordering of accusations before denials, and linking prior unexplained firings — suggest a narrative of wrongdoing and politicized removals.
FAQ
The White House cited inappropriate alcohol use, staff harassment, misuse of resources, and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings.
Inman was the on-scene board member for the American Airlines collision with an Army helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport in January 2025, killing 67 people, and the UPS cargo plane crash on takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, in November, killing 15 people.
Inman denied the allegations, stated serving on the NTSB was a great honor that took a toll on him and his family, and said he will defend his reputation through all legal means possible.
The NTSB website lists three members, with the Senate recently confirming John DeLeeuw as a fourth; the board is now split 2-2 between parties, allowing the president to appoint a third Republican.
Yes, the White House fired NTSB Vice Chair Alvin Brown in May, and Brown has filed a lawsuit challenging his dismissal.
