On Wednesday, President Donald Trump revealed his decision to appoint Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as the interim administrator of NASA. This decision underscores the increasing significance of space in national priorities, according to the president.
Trump expressed his excitement by posting on Truth Social, stating, “I am pleased to announce that I am directing our GREAT Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, to be Interim Administrator of NASA.”
“He will be a fantastic leader of the ever more important Space Agency, even if only for a short period of time.”
The president commended Duffy’s achievements at the Department of Transportation, labeling his leadership as “TREMENDOUS.” He highlighted Duffy’s contributions to modernizing air traffic control and revitalizing infrastructure. Trump remarked on the improvements in roads and bridges, emphasizing their newfound efficiency and beauty.
Duffy, a former congressman from Wisconsin and longtime Trump ally, accepted the role enthusiastically. “🚀 Honored to accept this mission. Time to take over space. Let’s launch.” he wrote on X.
Duffy replaces Janet Petro, who has served as acting NASA administrator since January. Trump withdrew Jared Isaacman’s nomination for the role in May.
Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut and longtime associate of Elon Musk, was nominated by Trump in December 2024 but faced mounting scrutiny over ties to Musk and SpaceX, which some officials viewed as a conflict of interest.
According to The Associated Press, Trump said the decision to pull Isaacman’s name came after a “thorough review of prior associations” and growing concern over “corporate entanglements.”
NASA has increasingly factored into the Trump administration’s national defense, innovation, and economic agenda. Trump has long emphasized the strategic importance of space, launching the Space Force during his first term.
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
