President Biden nominated Alvin Brown to be Vice Chair of the NTSB. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and was appointed for a term expiring on December 31, 2026. 

On May 6, 2025, the Trump-Vance administration abruptly removed Brown from his position without cause, even though the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 states that a President may remove an NTSB board member only for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” 

His removal without cause undermines the statutory protections that ensure the NTSB operates independently from partisan interference. 

On June 4, 2025, Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit on behalf of Brown, asking the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to declare his removal unlawful, block the NTSB from continuing to block him from performing his duties, and restore his access to the office and its resources. The case also seeks emergency relief to prevent further interference with Brown’s role.

The case is Alvin Brown v. Trump et al.