Trump Signs New Aviation Safety Directive to Eliminate DEI, Prioritize Merit

After a deadly crash at the nation’s capital, the president’s memorandum directed the FAA to review hiring decisions and protocol changes in the past 4 years.

US President Donald Trump shows an executive order he signed in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Jan. 30, 2025. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

President Donald Trump signed an aviation safety memorandum on Jan. 30 to reverse hiring practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion agendas for air traffic controllers and other transportation officials.

“We are going to have the most competent people in the country in our control towers,” Trump said. “For an air traffic controller, we want the brightest, the smartest, the sharpest.”