Democratic Socialists Clash with NTSB Chair

Members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are gearing up for a political confrontation with Jennifer Homendy, the only Democrat in the Trump administration serving as head of an agency.

The frustration among DSA members stems from their belief that Homendy has been overly friendly with Republican lawmakers during this critical midterm election period.

At a virtual DSA meeting on October 19, which primarily focused on key Senate races in Alaska and Texas, tensions flared as some representatives criticized Homendy. This discontent has apparently annoyed even some congressional Democrats, as reported.

One DC Democrat expressed anger, saying, “[The extremists’] long-term goal is to install only DSA members into government roles.”

Homendy, a Connecticut native, has served on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) since 2018, with appointments coming from both Republican President Trump and Democratic former President Biden.

Supporters from both parties view her as someone dedicated to her role, focusing on accident investigations rather than getting entangled in partisan politics.

However, the DSA has several complaints against her:

• Homendy “never blamed Trump” for a midair collision incident near Reagan National Airport in January 2025.
• She appeared alongside Republican Senator Dan Sullivan at an aviation safety summit in Anchorage while he was in a tough race against Democratic candidate Mary Peltola, with Trump also backing Sullivan.

• Homendy has a cordial relationship with Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz.

• She is said to have supported Republicans, including Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden, in a competitive state.

A Washington Democrat insider suggested, “I suspect this DSA effort of trying to ‘out’ Democrats who have relationships with Republicans will expand in 2027.”

One source commented about Homendy, “I can tell you: [Homendy] actually doesn’t give a s–t about political party, and if the NTSB became political in any direction, that would be the end of aviation and transportation safety in the US.”

Homendy has not commented on the situation.

A DSA representative mentioned that they are looking into the issue.

The DSA has been gaining traction, particularly following the election of member Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City last year, which is the largest city in the United States. Additionally, DSA candidates have recently enjoyed success in congressional primaries, while Democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is considering a potential run for the Senate or presidency in 2028.