Trump chose Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, to head FAA

Donald Trump picked Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, to head the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). There was much anticipation in this appointment, due to the recent aircraft accidents in Arizona, Alaska, Pennsylvania and Washington DC. The president advanced that his pick will work side-by-side with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy,

Trump communicated the decision on his Truth Social account, where he noted Bedford's business background and decades of experience in the aviation industry.

"Bryan brings over three decades of experience in Aviation and Executive Leadership to this critical position," Trump said.

"Bryan will work with our GREAT Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, to strongly reform the Agency, safeguard our exports, and ensure the safety of nearly one billion annual passenger movements. Congratulations Bryan!", he added.

According to data from the National Safety Board, there had been 94 aviation accidents through the end of February, with 63 in January and 31 in February. In turn, 13 of those aviation accidents were fatal, 10 in January and three through mid-February, leaving at least 87 fatalities.

What does the FAA do?

The FAA was created in after the passage of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, although the agency adopted its current name in 1967 under the Lyndon Johnson Administration. From then until the present, it operates under the umbrella of the Department of Transportation.

Specifically, the website mentioned the following responsibilities under the agency: