Trump Again Taps Musk Ally Jared Isaacman to Lead NASA
President Donald Trump re-nominates private astronaut and entrepreneur Jared Isaacman as the new administrator of the US space agency.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday nominated billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut Jared Isaacman to head NASA, tapping once again the close associate of Elon Musk to lead the US space agency.
The nomination, announced by Trump on Truth Social, came six months after the president withdrew his initial nomination of Isaacman amid a bitter row with Musk.
If confirmed by the Senate, Isaacman would replace Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has served as interim administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Trump highlighted Isaacman's passion for space, astronaut experience, and dedication to advancing the new space economy.
Isaacman was initially chosen in May but his nomination was withdrawn due to his previous support for Democrats and his close association with Musk.
Following Trump’s announcement on Tuesday, Musk posted a series of emojis of a heart, rocket, and US flag over a screengrab of Trump's announcement of Isaacman’s renomination.
Isaacman is an accomplished pilot who made history as the first private citizen to conduct a spacewalk during SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission in September 2024.
He has also flown multiple private space missions aboard Musk's SpaceX rockets, making him a key customer and advocate for the company’s space exploration goals.
The appointment of Isaacman to lead NASA requires Senate confirmation.
The nomination, announced by Trump on Truth Social, came six months after the president withdrew his initial nomination of Isaacman amid a bitter row with Musk.
If confirmed by the Senate, Isaacman would replace Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has served as interim administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Trump highlighted Isaacman's passion for space, astronaut experience, and dedication to advancing the new space economy.
Isaacman was initially chosen in May but his nomination was withdrawn due to his previous support for Democrats and his close association with Musk.
Following Trump’s announcement on Tuesday, Musk posted a series of emojis of a heart, rocket, and US flag over a screengrab of Trump's announcement of Isaacman’s renomination.
Isaacman is an accomplished pilot who made history as the first private citizen to conduct a spacewalk during SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission in September 2024.
He has also flown multiple private space missions aboard Musk's SpaceX rockets, making him a key customer and advocate for the company’s space exploration goals.
The appointment of Isaacman to lead NASA requires Senate confirmation.
