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Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation

On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prioritize merit-based hiring practices. The memorandum criticizes previous diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, claiming they compromised safety by prioritizing factors such as race, sex, and disability over qualifications and competency. The order mandates the immediate cessation of DEI hiring practices and emphasizes hiring based on individual capability and achievement. Additionally, it calls for a review of all personnel in critical safety roles to ensure they meet high standards of performance and competence.