United States President, Donald Trump, on Wednesday announced that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will temporarily serve as the head of NASA.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump praised Duffy’s performance in his current role, citing his efforts in transforming air traffic control and revitalizing infrastructure across the country.
“Sean is doing a TREMENDOUS job in handling our Country’s Transportation Affairs, including creating a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control systems, while at the same time rebuilding our roads and bridges, making them efficient, and beautiful, again. He will be a fantastic leader of the ever more important Space Agency, even if only for a short period of time. Congratulations, and thank you, Sean,” the president wrote.
Duffy acknowledged the new assignment on social media shortly after.
“Honoured to accept this mission. Time to take over space. Let’s launch,” he posted on X.
This leadership change follows President Trump’s decision in late May to withdraw the nomination of entrepreneur Jared Isaacman for the NASA role. The president cited concerns stemming from a “thorough review of prior associations.”
Isaacman, a billionaire with two private spaceflights under his belt and known for his close relationship with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, had been awaiting a Senate vote on his confirmation when the nomination was abruptly pulled.
“After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA. I will soon announce a new Nominee who will be Mission aligned, and put America First in Space,” Trump said at the time.
Traditionally, NASA administrators are drawn from scientific, academic, or public service backgrounds. The agency’s top job demands not only technical knowledge but also the ability to navigate Congress for project funding and bipartisan support.
Over the weekend, Trump elaborated on his reservations about Isaacman in a lengthy online message that criticized Elon Musk, a former close ally whose ties with the administration have frayed in recent weeks.
“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,” the president wrote.
Musk, who once led the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump, resigned from his position in June amid escalating tensions between the two over policy priorities.
Reports indicate that Duffy and Musk clashed during a cabinet meeting in March, where Duffy allegedly accused Musk of attempting to terminate air traffic controllers.
Duffy’s new space-related responsibilities place him among other cabinet officials holding dual roles. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for example, is currently acting as both national security adviser and national archivist.
