ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumTrump 47 · R

Presidential Memorandum

Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation

Federal WorkforceFederal WorkforceDefense & SecurityDefense & Security

In simple terms

This memorandum directs the Secretary of Transportation and FAA Administrator to immediately end DEI hiring initiatives and return to merit-based hiring for safety-critical aviation positions. It also orders a review of past performance of all individuals in critical safety positions, with replacement of those deemed to lack requisite capability.

Federal Register Open PDF 90 FR 8651

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 90 FR 8651

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Review past performance of critical safety position personnel

  4. Immediate rescission of DEI initiatives and return to merit-based hiring

Key directives

  • Immediately rescind all DEI initiatives and 'dangerous preferencing policies'
  • Return to non-discriminatory, merit-based hiring
  • Review past performance and performance standards of all individuals in critical safety positions
  • Replace individuals who fail or have failed to demonstrate requisite capability with high-capability individuals

Who is ordered

Prior policyRollback

Flagged as rolling back prior-administration policy.

What to expect

Immediate

  • DEI initiatives rescinded
  • return to merit-based hiring mandated
  • review of critical safety position personnel begins

Near term (90d)

  • Performance reviews of individuals in critical safety positions
  • Potential replacement actions for personnel failing capability standards

Long term

  • Potential restructuring of FAA hiring and promotion systems
  • Possible litigation from affected employees or advocacy groups

Risks & tensions

  • Vague standard for 'requisite capability' and 'high-capability individual' creates legal and operational uncertainty
  • Potential for disruptive mass personnel changes in safety-critical roles
  • Likely legal challenges under civil service protections and anti-discrimination laws
  • Tension between political directive and established federal employment procedures
  • Document's characterization of prior hiring practices may not reflect actual FAA medical/physical standards for safety positions
Presidential Memorandum: Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation · Executive Orders