DALLAS — On January 21, 2025, the White House issued a memorandum on “Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation,” directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US' foremost aviation safety body, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to immediately end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in favor of merit-based hiring.

The Office of Personnel Management tells agency and department heads they must close all DEIA offices by the end of Wednesday and put government workers in those offices on paid leave.

The Washington, D.C., area is governed by a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) within a 30-mile radius of Reagan National Airport. Flying unmanned aircraft within the 15-mile inner ring is prohibited without specific FAA authorization, requiring Transportation Security Administration and FAA waivers and special clearance.

President Donald Trump escalated his campaign against diversity programs on Tuesday by pressuring the private sector to join the initiative, ordering aviation officials to review diversity hires and telling government DEI employees they would be placed on paid leave.

A software update from Chinse drone makers DJI removed geofencing restrictions and allows operators to fly in restricted areas like airports. This could cause chaos.

After the oath-taking, inaugural address, luncheon and traditional parade, the new president gets to go into the White House to find the family's clothes, furniture and other personal belongings in place and the kitchen stocked with favorite foods.

President Trump on Tuesday issued an executive order directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to “return to non-discriminatory, merit-based hiring” and eliminate diversity,

Donald Trump issued an executive order when he took office in January 2025, removing Joe Biden’s DEI programs in the government.