Trump appoints acting FAA commissioner after plane collision

President Trump announced Thursday he would appoint an acting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator in the wake of the midair crash between a passenger plane and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C.

“I’m also immediately appointing an acting commissioner to the FAA, Christopher Rocheleau. A 22-year veteran of the agency, highly respected. Christopher, thank you very much, appreciate it,” Trump told reporters in the White House briefing room.

Rocheleau, who is serving as deputy administrator, was in the room for the announcement. Trump had just thanked Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was just sworn into his post Tuesday, for his work after the crash so far.

“We only have the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,” the president said.

Trump went on to blame the Biden administration for aviation issues, citing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and blaming former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“Do you know how badly everything’s run since he’s run the department of Transportation?” Trump said.

Former FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker resigned on Trump’s Inauguration Day after he served for just more than a year.

The FAA administrator is a Senate-confirmed position, sworn in for a five-year term. Whitaker was confirmed in October 2023.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in September called on Whitaker to resign following Whitaker saying SpaceX “launched without a permit,” in reference to two launches last year in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

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