President Trump has named Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as interim NASA head, citing his leadership skills.
The move underscores space as a top priority in Trump’s national and defense agenda.
President Donald Trump has named Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as the interim head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), highlighting the increasing strategic role of space in America’s national agenda.
Trump made the announcement on Wednesday via his Truth Social platform, commending Duffy’s leadership at the Department of Transportation and expressing confidence in his capability to lead NASA during a pivotal moment for the agency.
“I am pleased to announce that our GREAT Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, will serve as Interim Administrator of NASA,” Trump wrote. “He will be a fantastic leader of the ever more important Space Agency, even if only for a short period of time.”
Duffy, a former congressman from Wisconsin and a staunch Trump ally, will oversee NASA operations while continuing in his role at the transportation department. Trump praised his accomplishments, citing efforts in modernizing air traffic control systems and revitalizing national infrastructure as evidence of his readiness to handle the dual responsibilities.
Reacting to the appointment, Duffy posted on X (Twitter), “ Honored to accept this mission. Time to take over space. Let’s launch.”
He succeeds Janet Petro, who had been serving in an acting capacity since January. The leadership change follows Trump’s decision to withdraw his previous nominee, billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, from consideration.
Isaacman, who gained prominence as a private astronaut and close associate of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, was originally tapped for the role in December 2024. However, his nomination drew criticism over perceived conflicts of interest related to his ties with the private space sector.
According to the Associated Press, Trump acknowledged that Isaacman’s nomination was dropped due to concerns raised during a detailed review of his business relationships and their potential influence on NASA’s independence. “A thorough review of prior associations” and “corporate entanglements” reportedly led to the withdrawal.
The appointment reflects Trump’s ongoing focus on space as a critical domain for national security, technological innovation, and economic competitiveness. During his first term in office, Trump established the U.S. Space Force, positioning America’s dominance in space as a central pillar of his administration’s defense and innovation strategy.
With Duffy now at the helm of NASA, even temporarily, the agency is expected to maintain its momentum on key missions and programs, as the U.S. continues to assert its leadership in the evolving global space race.
