The White House fired National Transportation Safety Board member J. Todd Inman on Friday, citing reports of serious workplace misconduct. White House spokesman Kush Desai said Inman was lawfully removed following "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."

Inman, a Republican appointed by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2024, denied the allegations and called the dismissal a "political hit job." "It has become increasingly obvious this action was a political hit job," Inman said. "While not my original intent I look forward to defending my reputation through all legal means possible." He previously served as chief of staff at the Department of Transportation during President Trump's first term.

The termination leaves a vacancy on the NTSB's five-member board, which investigates transportation accidents and issues safety recommendations. The agency's website now lists only Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, Michael Graham and Thomas Chapman. Inman had been on the board since April 2024, with his term set to expire at the end of 2027.

Inman played a prominent role in recent high-profile investigations. He was the board member on duty and first responder for the January 2025 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport between an American Eagle regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which killed 67 people. He also led the probe into a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky that month, which claimed 15 lives. Inman described his NTSB service as an honor and praised staff as "world class," while expressing hope that the agency remains free from political agendas.

This marks the second White House removal from the NTSB in less than a year. Vice Chairman Alvin Brown was fired in May 2025 and is suing for reinstatement, amid a pending Supreme Court case on presidential authority over independent boards. The NTSB currently manages nearly 1,250 active cases. It remains unclear when a replacement for Inman will be nominated.