Trump’s Aviation Safety Cuts Follow DC Air Crash
President Trump initiated a significant restructuring of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), abruptly dismissing the heads of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Coast Guard, and disbanding the Aviation Security Advisory Committee. This action, justified as a resource reallocation prioritizing national security, eliminated a key congressional mandate established after the 1988 Pan Am 103 bombing. Simultaneously, the administration replaced the FEMA administrator, a customary change in presidential transitions. These personnel changes sparked concern, particularly regarding the TSA chief’s dismissal despite a Senate confirmation and the Coast Guard Commandant’s dismissal amidst praise for addressing sexual assault issues.
John Q. Hosedrinker