Senator says FAA chief violated ethics deal by keeping airline stock
December 13, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1765594846309-1393
Senator Maria Cantwell accused FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford of violating his ethics agreement by failing to divest a multimillion-dollar stake in an airline he once led, drawing criticism and raising fresh questions about potential conflicts at the helm of the US aviation safety regulator. Bedford had promised to sell all his shares within 90 days of taking office but has failed to do so more than 150 days later. The FAA has been under heightened scrutiny this year after a deadly midair collision and other operational challenges, with Cantwell’s letter tying into broader concerns about FAA leadership credibility.
Key Takeaways
- The head of the US Federal Aviation Administration has been accused of violating his ethics agreement.
- FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford failed to divest a multimillion-dollar stake in an airline he once led.
- Bedford’s holdings were worth between $6 million and $30 million at the time he was confirmed.
Strategic Implications
This development may indicate concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the FAA, potentially undermining public trust in the agency’s oversight. The FAA has been under scrutiny this year after a deadly midair collision and other operational challenges. Bedford’s failure to divest his shares in Republic Airways raises questions about his ability to lead the agency impartially.