Following a devastating air crash in the US, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is currently understaffed and facing budget constraints, urgently sought to retain its investigators. This effort came after employees were approached by the Trump administration with an invitation to resign and receive pay until September. An internal memo clarified that NTSB employees were ineligible for this program.
As an independent agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents and making safety recommendations, the NTSB experienced heightened pressure following the collision of an American Airlines regional jet with a US Army Blackhawk helicopter, resulting in 67 fatalities. Just hours before the disaster, agency leadership was working to negate the resignation offers, highlighting the potential loss of key personnel, especially as many investigators are nearing retirement.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy communicated to staff that the agency had secured a full exemption from the resignation program, emphasising the importance of retaining every position amid the ongoing investigation of the incident—a stark reminder of its critical safety role. The agency’s message underscored a commitment to continued operations despite the administration’s proposals, reinforcing the necessity of its workforce for effectively executing its responsibilities during this challenging time.