Democratic Socialists Target NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy Over Bipartisan Ties in Trump Administration
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy has emerged as an unlikely target for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), as the progressive organization intensifies its scrutiny of her bipartisan approach within the Trump administration. Homendy, currently the only Democrat serving as an agency head under President Trump, is facing criticism from far-left activists who claim her professional relationships with Republican lawmakers have crossed into political collaboration during a sensitive midterm election cycle.
The friction reached a peak during a virtual meeting of the DSA’s electoral commission on October 19. While the session was primarily intended to focus on competitive Senate races in Alaska and Texas, the discussion reportedly shifted toward Homendy’s conduct. Sources familiar with the meeting indicate that several representatives expressed frustration over her public appearances alongside high-profile Republicans, a move they argue provides political cover to conservative incumbents.
Among the specific grievances cited by DSA members is Homendy’s presence at an aviation safety summit in Anchorage on July 31. At the event, she stood alongside Alaska Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, who is currently locked in a tight reelection battle against Democratic challenger Mary Peltola. Activists contend that her appearance bolstered Sullivan’s standing at a time when President Trump has been actively campaigning to secure the senator’s seat. Similar concerns were raised regarding her “friendly rapport” with Texas Senator Ted Cruz and her perceived support for MAGA-aligned House members, such as Representative Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin.
The DSA’s critique also extends to Homendy’s handling of major transportation incidents. Specifically, members expressed anger that she did not assign blame to the Trump administration following the January 29, 2025, midair collision between a private jet and a military helicopter over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport. Homendy’s supporters, however, maintain that her role as NTSB chair is to lead objective, fact-based investigations rather than to serve as a partisan surrogate.
The backlash has caused significant friction within the broader Democratic Party. Mainstream DC Democrats have voiced irritation at the DSA’s tactics, with one insider suggesting the group’s ultimate objective is to ensure only their own members occupy government roles. There is also a concern that the DSA’s strategy of “outing” Democrats who maintain working relationships with Republicans could expand in the coming year. Defenders of the NTSB chair argue that if the agency became overtly political, it would fundamentally compromise aviation and transportation safety across the country.
Homendy, a Connecticut native, has served on the NTSB since 2018, having been appointed by both Presidents Trump and Biden. She has generally been regarded as a non-partisan figure dedicated to the agency’s safety mandate. While the DSA continues to investigate the matter, their influence is visibly growing. The organization celebrated a major milestone last year when member Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race. Additionally, with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez reportedly considering a run for the U.S. Senate or the presidency in 2028, the push for ideological purity within Democratic appointments appears to be a central pillar of the organization’s long-term strategy.
Homendy has declined to comment on the internal political pressure. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the dispute serves as a prominent example of the widening divide between the Democratic Party’s progressive wing and those who prioritize institutional bipartisanship.
