President Donald Trump named Sean Duffy as the new interim administrator of NASA. The announcement came through a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform.
Trump emphasized the growing importance of space in America’s national agenda. He praised Duffy’s leadership at the Department of Transportation. According to Trump, Duffy will guide NASA with strong direction, even during a brief tenure.
“I am pleased to announce that our GREAT Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, will now lead NASA,” Trump wrote. “He will be a fantastic leader of the ever more important Space Agency.” Moreover, Trump expressed strong support for Duffy’s track record at the Department of Transportation.
Specifically, he highlighted Duffy’s success in modernizing air traffic control systems. In addition, he praised the efforts to revive America’s infrastructure. “Rebuilding our roads and bridges, making them efficient and beautiful again,” Trump added. Overall, the former president made it clear that Duffy’s leadership style aligns with NASA’s growing strategic goals.
Sean Duffy accepted the appointment with enthusiasm. He posted on X, formerly Twitter, “ Honored to accept this mission. Time to take over space. Let’s launch.”
Duffy previously served as a congressman from Wisconsin. He is also a longtime supporter of Trump. His appointment reflects a stronger push toward prioritizing space exploration under future U.S. leadership.
Duffy steps in to replace Janet Petro. Petro had served as acting NASA administrator since January. Her role ended as Trump pulled Jared Isaacman’s nomination from consideration in May.
However, Trump originally nominated Isaacman in December 2024. Isaacman is a billionaire space tourist and an associate of Elon Musk. However, controversy soon surrounded his close ties to Musk and SpaceX.
Officials feared that Isaacman’s relationships presented a conflict of interest. After a detailed review of his business connections, the nomination was rescinded.
According to the Associated Press, Trump cited a “thorough review of prior associations.” He noted increasing concerns over “corporate entanglements” within the private space sector.
This change signals the growing importance of space for national leadership. With Duffy’s interim leadership, Trump aims to keep NASA focused on innovation. Space is no longer a distant frontier—it is a strategic priority.
As Duffy prepares to take the helm, eyes will stay on NASA’s next moves. The growing importance of space will likely dominate headlines in the coming months.
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