Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has criticized the Donald Trump administration’s decision to reinstate gendered language at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) instead of addressing critical air safety issues in the wake of the recent American Eagle Flight 5342 crash.
In a post on Bluesky, Buttigieg shared a screenshot of a tweet by CNN reporter Pete Muntean, which included a memo from the FAA announcing that the term “NOTAM” (Notice to Airmen) would be restored, reverting from the gender-neutral term “Notice to Air Missions” that was introduced in 2021 under President Joe Biden’s administration.
Buttigieg expressed frustration over the decision, writing, “So after promising to focus on safety, they’ve gotten right down to work… on gender terminology?” His comments highlight concerns over the shift in priorities at the FAA as the nation grapples with air safety following recent tragic accidents.
FAA’s Gender Terminology Debate
The memo from the FAA marks the Trump administration’s latest push to reverse changes made during the Biden administration, which aimed to make language more inclusive and gender-neutral. The change to the term “Notice to Air Missions” was part of a broader effort to promote inclusivity across federal agencies. However, the decision to return to the original “Notice to Airmen” term has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning why the FAA would focus on gendered language instead of prioritizing the safety of air travel.
The timing of the decision is especially significant given that the U.S. had not experienced any commercial aviation fatalities in 16 years until the tragic crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 on January 29. In the collision, a military helicopter struck the plane near Reagan National Airport, killing over 67 people. Buttigieg’s critique underscores the public’s growing frustration with what some perceive as misplaced priorities in the wake of such a major tragedy.
A Focus on Diversity Amid Safety Concerns
Buttigieg’s comments come after his successor, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, addressed the ongoing air safety concerns. Duffy, a former Fox News host and reality TV personality, made headlines when he argued that the FAA’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion was a distraction from its mission to improve air safety.
“You can’t focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion when you try to hire air traffic controllers; you focus on the best and brightest,” Duffy said during a recent interview. “I mean, again, some people like me like to have this conversation around equity. But if it’s your pilots or if it’s your air traffic controllers, you want the best. You want the brightest protecting yourself and your family. That’s what we’re going to do with the department.”
However, Duffy’s remarks have been met with criticism. The assertion that diversity initiatives are at odds with hiring the best talent is seen by some as a misunderstanding of the broader goals of inclusion, which aim to create a more equitable and diverse workforce without compromising safety. Furthermore, Duffy’s statement was made just days after multiple additional crashes, raising concerns about the FAA’s ability to address mounting safety issues effectively.
Since Duffy’s comments, at least three more planes have been involved in crashes. These include a deadly collision in Arizona between a small plane and another aircraft, a commuter flight crash in Alaska that resulted in 10 fatalities, and a plane accident at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. These incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger air safety protocols and an effective response from the FAA.
Trump’s Comments on Diversity and Air Safety
The debate over diversity and air safety took a controversial turn when former President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue, blaming diversity for the recent crashes without any clear evidence linking it to the causes of the accidents.
“I have common sense, and unfortunately, a lot of people don’t,” Trump said, when asked about the role of diversity in the aviation sector. His comments were made despite the fact that investigations into the crashes were still ongoing, and there was no indication that diversity had any bearing on the incidents.
Trump’s remarks sparked backlash from those who believe the focus should be on improving safety measures rather than engaging in divisive discussions about diversity. Critics argue that such comments detract from the real issues at hand and undermine efforts to ensure that air travel remains safe for everyone.
The Road Ahead for Aviation Safety
As the debate over language and diversity continues to dominate the political conversation, the FAA faces mounting pressure to address the safety of the nation’s air travel system. With several crashes occurring in quick succession, many are calling for a renewed focus on improving aviation safety protocols, including better training for air traffic controllers and pilots, enhanced communication systems, and a more rigorous inspection process for aircraft.
The recent tragedies highlight the importance of swift and effective action to prevent further loss of life in the skies. As Buttigieg and other critics point out, the focus should be on protecting passengers and addressing the underlying safety issues that continue to plague the aviation industry, rather than shifting attention to politically charged debates over terminology.
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen whether the FAA and the Biden administration will shift their focus back to air safety or if the Trump administration will continue to prioritize changes to language that critics argue are irrelevant to the pressing concerns of aviation safety.
