President Donald Trump's new temporary head of NASA represents a "marked win" for a top MAGA ally — but not SpaceX CEO and former "first buddy" Elon Musk.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform Wednesday night to announce that he is directing the "GREAT Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, to be Interim Administrator of NASA."
"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," wrote Trump.
Duffy's tenure as Transportation Secretary has been mired by major aviation incidents. Since the beginning of 2025, at least 188 people had died in 60 aviation incidents as of May 6. The disasters marked a significant and unusual spike in deadly aviation accidents for the United States, as there hadn't been a deadly incident involving a U.S. airliner since 2009.
Trump withdrew the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA just days before Isaacman was expected to be confirmed by the Senate. The White House said the decision was made after a thorough review of prior associations. Trump also emphasized he needed a NASA leader who was in full alignment with his "America First" agenda. Isaacman had donated to Democrats in the past, reportedly playing a role in the decision.
Musk requested that his "close friend" Isaacman be given the NASA job, and he was reportedly upset when Trump rescinded his nomination, contributing to their public falling out.
That fact didn't go unnoticed on Wednesday, with Wired reporter Jake Lahut noting the decision was a big win for someone else.
"Flurry of Truth Social posts from Trump, including Sean Duffy for … NASA administrator (I’m reading what you’re reading).Just so happens to be the position Elon’s guy lost out on, and marked victory for WH personnel dir. Sergio Gor over Musk," he noted.
"Can you imagine being the Jared Isaacman dude — who at least has a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics and has actual experience with private spaceflight — and losing out to Sean Duffy. Only in America can you go from the Fox & Friends couch to the stars," he added.