Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach renewed his criticism of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices in the aviation industry during an appearance Thursday on Fox Business, arguing that race-based hiring could be compromising passenger safety.
Kobach’s comments come amid rising concerns over aviation safety and in the wake of a deadly plane crash in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. While he acknowledged it was too early to determine whether air traffic controllers played a role in the crash, he reiterated that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s hiring policies should focus solely on merit and competence.
READ: Gabbard’s DNI Nomination In Jeopardy As Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley Expresses Concern Over GOP Support
“We should not see race-based hiring at any federal agency, especially one that has the safety and lives of so many passengers in their hands,” Kobach said.
Kobach, along with 10 other Republican state attorneys general, had previously sent a letter in 2024 warning the Biden administration about the dangers of DEI hiring practices in aviation.
In his Fox Business interview, he pointed to concerning statistics regarding FAA air traffic control performance:
- In 2023, the FAA recorded 503 lapses in air traffic control decisions—a 65% increase from the previous year.
- The New York Times reported 300 near collisions in the past 12 months—double the number from a decade earlier.
READ: Federal Judge Pauses Florida Lawsuit Against DOJ Over Trump Assassination Attempt
“These decisions about whom you hire have consequences,” Kobach warned. “And Trump got it right when he immediately ended DEI hiring in the FAA and in air traffic control.”
Kobach also highlighted a lawsuit against the Biden administration, alleging that nearly 1,000 qualified air traffic controller applicants were dismissed because they were white.
He argued that hiring should be based strictly on skill and qualifications, rather than diversity quotas.
“Whether it’s my pilot, my air traffic controller, or my surgeon, I don’t care what skin color they have,” he said. “All I want is the most competent, skilled person because their decision could end my life in a second.”
With aviation safety under heightened scrutiny, Republican officials are expected to continue pushing back against DEI hiring policies in federal agencies. Trump’s recent executive order rolling back DEI policies in the FAA has been welcomed by conservatives but is likely to face legal challenges.
As the investigation into the D.C. plane crash continues, the role of air traffic control and FAA hiring standards will likely be closely examined.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.