WASHINGTON – Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday ordered U.S. airlines to certify that pilots are hired strictly on merit, warning carriers they could face federal investigations if they fail to comply.

“When families board their aircraft, they should fly with confidence knowing the pilot behind the controls is the best of the best. The American people don’t care what their pilot looks like or their gender, they just care that they are most qualified man or woman for the job,” Duffy said.

The FAA said the directive follows President Trump’s executive orders ending DEI programs in federal agencies, while Airlines for America said carriers already comply with federal qualification and licensing laws.