The White House fired a Republican member of the National Transportation Safety Board following reports of him drinking on the job, among other alleged misconduct. J. Todd Inman, who frequently represented the organization during news conferences after the deadly American Airlines crash in D.C. last year, called the firing a “political hit job” in a statement to The Washington Post.
“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,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement. “The Trump administration remains committed to maintaining safety and security for Americans in the air and on the ground.”
The NTSB is tasked with investigating civil transportation accidents. As the board was investigating after the American Airlines collision with an Army helicopter that killed all 67 on both aircraft, Inman was at times publicly critical of Army officials.
Inman was terminated late last week.
“I categorically deny the false allegations made in the White House statement,” Inman told The Post. “It has become increasingly obvious this action was a political hit job. While not my original intent I look forward to defending my reputation against those responsible with every legal means possible.”
He declined to elaborate on his claim that the White House’s decision was political.
Inman, a Republican who was nominated to the five-member board by President Joe Biden, worked as chief of staff at the Department of Transportation during President Donald Trump’s first term.
The Trump administration last year fired another member of the board, Alvin Brown, who is now suing the White House over the termination.
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