The Trump administration is poised to reach a significant decision regarding Boeing's legal accountability for the tragic 737 Max crashes.

According to The Hill, the Department of Justice plans to drop felony criminal charges against Boeing and pursue a nonprosecutorial settlement over two fatal plane crashes that claimed 346 lives in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

The proposed settlement marks a dramatic shift from previous negotiations where Boeing was expected to enter a guilty plea. This development comes after families of the victims were informed during a Friday morning meeting with DOJ representatives about a "tentative" agreement, although they were told the final decision is still pending.

Victims' families fight against settlement proposal

Attorney Paul Cassell, representing many of the crash victims' families, strongly criticized the DOJ's approach to the case.

Paul Cassell shared his perspective on the DOJ's handling of the situation:

The Justice Department's Criminal Division held a 'conferral session' but didn't truly confer at all. Instead, they conveyed their preconceived idea that Boeing should be allowed to escape any real consequences for its deadly lies.

The families plan to challenge the settlement in court if it proceeds without criminal penalties. Their attorneys argue that the government has built a compelling case worth pursuing at trial.

Trump administration's Boeing business ties

The timing of this development coincides with significant business dealings between Boeing and the Trump administration. President Trump recently witnessed Boeing's record-breaking deal with Qatar Airways during his Middle East trip.

The Qatar Airways agreement involves 160 jets, marking Boeing's largest widebody aircraft order to date. This follows a $10 billion Boeing jet order from British Airways' parent company, part of the administration's trade deal with the United Kingdom.

These business developments have raised questions about the influence of commercial interests on the legal proceedings. Critics argue that avoiding felony conviction would allow Boeing to maintain its eligibility for government contracts with the Department of Defense and NASA.

Financial compensation and ongoing negotiations

Under the proposed settlement terms, Boeing would contribute an additional $444.5 million to a crash victims' fund. The amount would be distributed equally among the victims of both crashes.

Robert A. Clifford, an attorney representing victims' families in a pending civil case, expressed strong opposition to the settlement terms. He emphasized the families' willingness to risk a trial outcome rather than accept what they view as an inadequate resolution.

The DOJ has not publicly confirmed these developments, and Boeing has not responded to requests for comment about the case update.

Looking ahead at Boeing's accountability

The Department of Justice's decision to pursue a nonprosecutorial settlement with Boeing represents a significant shift in the legal aftermath of the 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

The proposed agreement would allow Boeing to avoid felony convictions while contributing additional funds to compensate victims' families. This development occurs amid major business deals between Boeing and various international carriers, including a historic agreement with Qatar Airways witnessed by President Trump.

As negotiations continue, victims' families and their legal representatives prepare to challenge what they consider an insufficient response to Boeing's role in the tragic events.