Senators Warren, Blumenthal Warn DOJ Against Letting Boeing 'Weasel Its Way Out' Of Accountability Over 737 Max Crashes

U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal urged the Justice Department on Friday to prosecute Boeing (BA) over the 737 MAX criminal fraud case, following reports that the DOJ is in active talks with the company to finalize a non-prosecution agreement (NPA).

"DOJ must not sign a non-prosecution agreement with Boeing that would allow the company to weasel its way out of accountability for its failed corporate culture, and for any illegal behavior that has resulted in deadly consequences,” Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal wrote to the DOJ, as cited by Reuters. 

"Any deal between DOJ and Boeing that would allow the company and its executives to avoid accountability would be a serious mistake."

According to earlier reports, the DOJ is considering an NPA, which would allow Boeing to avoid a criminal conviction altogether, potentially preserving its eligibility for lucrative U.S. government contracts.

Paul Cassell, a lawyer for some of the families of the 346 people killed in two 737 MAX crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019, told Reuters on Thursday that allowing Boeing to avoid a trial or guilty plea would be a miscarriage of justice.

The back-and-forth comes amid warming ties between President Donald Trump and the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer. Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, was spotted alongside Trump in Qatar last week to announce a record-setting widebody jet order from Qatar Airways. 

Trump has racked up orders for Boeing as part of the trade deals he’s been making with other countries, in addition to the agreement with Qatar Airways. These include a $10 billion order for 32 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft for British Airways and a $14.5 billion commitment from Etihad Airways to invest in 28 Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. 

Boeing’s stock fell 0.4% amid broader market weakness in afternoon trade on Friday. The Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) edged 0.05% lower, and the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA) slipped 0.2%. 

Boeing’s shares have gained 13% this year and 9% over the past 12 months. 

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