Hawley Slams Boeing CEO's $32.8 Million Salary, Calls Job Retention a 'Travesty'

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) did not hold back during a Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations hearing on Tuesday, confronting Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun about his substantial $32.8 million salary amid ongoing controversies at the aerospace giant.

Key Points:

• Questioning Transparency: Hawley grilled Calhoun on the specifics of his compensation, highlighting a 45% increase over the previous year. Calhoun acknowledged the figure, which Hawley described as an exorbitant "big number."

• Safety and Quality Concerns: The senator sharply criticized Boeing’s safety record under Calhoun’s leadership, referencing several investigations and incidents, including plane crashes and safety breaches.

• Demand for Accountability: Hawley accused Calhoun of prioritizing profits over safety by cutting corners, directly questioning why the CEO has not resigned given the company's troubled history.

“What is it you get paid to do exactly?” Hawley pressed, to which Calhoun responded, “I get paid to run the Boeing company.” Hawley retorted with a critique of Boeing’s transparency and safety under Calhoun's tenure, listing numerous investigations that the company has faced.

“This is all in your tenure. This doesn’t sound like a lot of transparency to me,” Hawley remarked, underscoring the disconnect between Calhoun’s stated responsibilities and Boeing's operational reality.

Hawley's pointed interrogation extended to Boeing’s safety measures. “I think the American public, when they fear to get on their airplanes, they understand your safety record,” he said. “And frankly, sir, I think it’s a travesty that you’re still in your job.”

Calhoun defended his position and Boeing's safety record, stating, “I’m sticking this through and am proud of the work we’re doing at Boeing.” However, he also admitted to the company’s "far from perfect" culture and apologized to plane crash victims, a notable moment during the hearing.

The senator’s confrontation highlights growing frustration with corporate leadership perceived as out of touch with public accountability and safety standards. Boeing, a cornerstone of American aerospace, faces increased scrutiny over its practices and leadership, especially as it navigates past and current safety controversies.

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