FAA ordered to end diversity programs as Trump focuses on merit-based recruitment
Last week, President Donald Trump instructed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to dismantle its hiring policies centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion. He argued that the FAA had been unfairly prioritizing minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups in hiring decisions during the Biden administration.
“I hereby direct the Secretary of Transportation and the FAA Administrator to promptly revert to fair, merit-based hiring practices as mandated by law,” the directive stated. “All so-called DEI initiatives, which include any harmful preferential policies or practices, should be immediately revoked in favor of hiring, promoting, and treating employees based solely on their individual skills, competence, accomplishments, and commitment.”
The FAA has referred inquiries regarding the impact of this directive on its hiring strategies to the White House, which has not yet responded to questions about how these changes will be executed.
“The Secretary of Transportation and the FAA Administrator must assess the past and current performances of all individuals in critical safety roles and take necessary actions to replace anyone who has not shown the required competency with someone who demonstrates high capability to ensure exceptional air safety and efficiency,” the order stated, though it did not specify any particular modifications being made.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column. He is based in New York