Trump renominates Musk's ally Jared Isaacman to head NASA
What's the story
US President Donald Trump has re-nominated billionaire pilot and private astronaut Jared Isaacman to head NASA, the country's space agency. The announcement was made on Trump's social media platform Truth Social. This comes months after Isaacman's initial nomination was withdrawn. The decision follows weeks of online criticism from Elon Musk and others aimed at Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, who has been serving as acting NASA chief.
Vision statement
Isaacman thanks space-loving community
In response to his re-nomination, Isaacman expressed gratitude for the support from the space-loving community. He said he would do everything possible to meet their expectations. Earlier on Tuesday, Isaacman had shared his vision for NASA on X (formerly Twitter). This was after a draft version was leaked in Washington among those wanting Duffy to remain in charge of NASA.
Endorsement details
Trump's endorsement for Isaacman
Trump endorsed Isaacman, calling him an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot, and astronaut. The President said Isaacman's passion for space and astronaut experience make him the right fit to lead NASA into a new era. He also noted that the role requires Senate confirmation where his Republican Party has a 53-47 majority.
Past experience
Isaacman's previous nomination and Senate confirmation process
Previously, Trump had nominated Isaacman as NASA administrator on the recommendation of Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla. The billionaire pilot had commanded the first civilian space crew in 2021 aboard a SpaceX capsule. He spent months navigating the Senate confirmation process while balancing Trump's Mars-focused vision with NASA's multibillion-dollar plan to return to the Moon first in a geopolitical race with China.