President Donald Trump has performed yet another surgical removal from United States independent agencies, this time choosing to let go of the vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The man on the receiving end of this dismissal? Alvin Brown.

Brown, a Democrat and former mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, had the distinction of being the first African American elected to that position. His role as the vice chair of the NTSB was a recent development, with then-President Joe Biden designating him in December, following his integration into the five-member board in March 2024. This is the reality.

The NTSB is responsible for investigating all civil aviation accidents and other significant transportation mishaps across multiple mediums – highways, marines, pipelines, and railroads. Their findings help identify the probable causes of accidents and formulate safety recommendations. By definition, it’s an important role.

This is not Trump’s first time making such a decision. Since January, he has shown the door to two Democrat members of the Federal Trade Commission, as well as representatives from the National Labor Relations Board, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and the Federal Election Commission.

The timing of Brown’s removal is interesting, considering the recent spike in aviation safety concerns. The tragic mid-air collision on January 29 between a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet that resulted in 67 casualties is still fresh in the public memory. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is set to announce a multi-billion-dollar plan to revamp U.S. air traffic control and staffing. Other red flags include a myriad of equipment and staffing issues at Newark Airport, leading to significant flight disruptions.

The bottom line is this: While Trump’s decision to remove Brown might raise eyebrows for some, it is a fundamental part of the President’s exercise of his executive powers. And in light of recent events, perhaps a shake-up in the NTSB is not entirely uncalled for.