President Donald Trump appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as interim administrator of NASA on Wednesday, sidelining a candidate backed by Elon Musk for the role.
“Sean is doing a TREMENDOUS job in handling our Country’s Transportation Affairs,” President Trump said in a Truth Social post. “He will be a fantastic leader of the ever more important Space Agency, even if only for a short period of time.” (RELATED: Why Is Elon Musk Turning On Donald Trump?)
“Honored to accept this mission. Time to take over space. Let’s launch,” Duffy responded in an X post.
The position has been vacant since Trump abruptly rescinded his initial nominee, tech billionaire Jared Isaacman, in May — just months after naming him interim administrator in December.
“After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” the president said. “I will soon announce a new Nominee who will be Mission aligned, and put America First in Space. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: White House Insiders Vent On Big Beautiful Breakup, Reveal Elon’s Final Straw)
The move came just days before the Senate was set to vote on Isaacman’s confirmation and ignited a public feud with Musk, who had pushed for Isaacman as his preferred pick.
Trump elaborated further Sunday, taking direct aim at Musk in a Truth Social post.
“I also thought it inappropriate that a very close friend of Elon, who was in the Space Business, run NASA, when NASA is such a big part of Elon’s corporate life. My Number One charge is to protect the American Public!” he said.
Duffy joins Secretary of State Marco Rubio in moonlighting beyond his cabinet role — Rubio is currently performing dual roles as both national archivist and national security advisor.
