Overview

• President Trump announced on Truth Social that Sean Duffy will serve temporarily as NASA Administrator in addition to his duties at the Department of Transportation.
• Duffy confirmed on X that he is “honored to accept this mission,” pledging to “take over space” as he assumes dual oversight roles.
• The move follows Trump’s late-May withdrawal of Jared Isaacman’s nomination, which the president attributed to Isaacman’s past donations to Democrats and ties to Elon Musk.
• Duffy replaces Janet Petro, who has led NASA in an acting capacity since January amid proposed budget cuts and a wave of senior-staff departures.
• No permanent nominee has been named, highlighting concerns over political influence in federal appointments and NASA’s strategic direction.