Washington, DC (National Times): President Donald Trump has officially withdrawn the nomination of billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, just days after Elon Musk’s departure from his advisory role in the White House.
The decision, confirmed by the White House late Saturday, marks a significant shakeup in the Trump administration’s approach to U.S. space policy. Isaacman, 42, had been widely expected to secure Senate confirmation after being nominated in December to lead the space agency.
“After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” Trump announced on his Truth Social platform. “I will soon announce a new nominee who will be mission-aligned and put America first in space.”
The reversal came shortly before the Senate was due to vote on Isaacman’s confirmation. Sources cited by The New York Times revealed that Trump grew concerned over Isaacman’s political donations to Democratic candidates in previous election cycles, raising questions about his loyalty.
The White House emphasized the strategic importance of the NASA Administrator role. “The Administrator of NASA will help lead humanity into space and execute President Trump’s bold mission of planting the American flag on Mars,” said White House Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Isaacman, who gained fame as a private astronaut funding and commanding two SpaceX missions to Earth orbit, responded with grace. Posting on X, he expressed gratitude for the nomination:
“I am incredibly grateful to President Trump and everyone who supported me during this journey. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of government and the responsibilities of political leadership.”
Elon Musk, who had been serving in the Trump administration as a “special government employee” in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), also voiced his support for Isaacman.
“It is rare to find someone so competent and good-hearted,” Musk wrote on X.
The withdrawal also coincides with major shifts in U.S. space policy. On May 30, the White House released its proposed NASA budget for fiscal year 2026, calling for steep cuts: from $24.8 billion down to $18.8 billion. The plan would slash funding for science programs by 47% and reduce the agency’s workforce by nearly a third. Several ongoing missions — including the Juno orbiter at Jupiter and the New Horizons probe near Pluto, face cancellation under the proposed budget.
Isaacman made history last September as the first private astronaut to perform a spacewalk, highlighting his deep ties to the evolving commercial space sector.
Despite the political fallout, observers note that Isaacman’s exit may not mark the end of his role in U.S. space endeavors, whether in the public or private sector. For now, the White House says a new nominee for NASA Administrator will be announced “soon.”
