Trump Appoints Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford to Lead FAA; Names New Military Academy Boards
Sarah Johnson
March 18, 2025
Brief
President Trump nominates Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford to lead the FAA, announces military academy board appointments, and declares April 2 as Liberation Day amid agency reforms.
President Donald Trump has nominated Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, as the new leader of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Bedford, who has been at the helm of the Indiana-based airline since 2007, brings over three decades of aviation and executive leadership experience to the table. Trump announced the nomination via a Truth Social post on Monday, expressing that he was "pleased" with the decision.
Trump emphasized Bedford's credentials in his post, stating, "As the former President and CEO of Republic Airways, Mesaba Airlines, and Business Express Airlines, Brian brings over three decades of experience in Aviation and Executive Leadership to this critical position." Bedford's appointment is subject to Senate confirmation before he officially takes charge.
In the same post, Trump highlighted Bedford's upcoming collaboration with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, saying Bedford will work "to strongly reform the Agency, safeguard our exports, and ensure the safety of nearly one billion annual passenger movements." The message ended on a congratulatory note: "Congratulations Bryan!"
This nomination comes amidst a broader overhaul of the FAA by the Trump administration, which earlier included laying off hundreds of workers as part of restructuring efforts. The agency has faced criticism following a tragic midair collision over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport earlier this year, claiming 67 lives. Trump had previously underscored the need for "only the highest standards" and "psychologically superior people" in aviation roles.
In addition to the FAA news, Trump announced a slate of new appointments to military academy boards. His selections for the United States Air Force Academy Board of Visitors include Doug Nikolai, Dan Clark, Senator Tommy Tuberville, Charlie Kirk, and Dina Powell. For the United States Naval Academy, appointees such as Sean Spicer, Walt Nauta, Congressman ‘Doc Ronnie’ Jackson, Congressman Derek Van Order, Senator Tim Sheehy, and Earl Ehrhart were named. Trump also appointed Major General David Bellavia, Lieutenant General Dan Walrath, General Michael Flynn, Congressman Wesley Hunt, Maureen Bannon, and Meghan Mobbs to West Point's Board of Visitors. Each announcement was peppered with Trump's signature enthusiasm, congratulating the appointees for their new roles.
In a final flourish, Trump declared April 2 as Liberation Day, stating that the day would mark the reclaiming of "vast wealth" lost due to past political mismanagement. He painted the observance as a symbolic step toward restoring America's prosperity.
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Editor's Comments
Well, Trump sure knows how to make headlines with a mix of aviation reforms and military appointments. The FAA overhaul sounds ambitious, but 'psychologically superior' air traffic controllers? That's a bar so high it might need its own flight clearance. As for the military academy boards, the list of appointees reads like a mashup of loyalists and conservative stalwarts—guess he’s keeping it in the family. And Liberation Day? Bold move, but let’s see if the 'wealth reclamation' strategy flies as well as Bedford’s planes.
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