President Trump names Sean Duffy interim NASA chief, citing space as a growing national priority.

Sean Duffy Steps In as NASA’s Interim Administrator

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced the appointment of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as interim administrator of NASA, reflecting the administration’s renewed emphasis on the strategic significance of space. Duffy, a former Wisconsin congressman and longstanding Trump ally, takes over from Janet Petro, who had served as acting administrator since January.

Trump shared the news on Truth Social, expressing confidence in Duffy’s leadership and praising his record at the Department of Transportation. “He will be a fantastic leader of the ever more important Space Agency, even if only for a short period of time,” Trump posted. The president highlighted Duffy’s achievements in modernizing air traffic control and revitalizing the nation’s transportation infrastructure, citing these as indicators of his readiness for the NASA role.

Duffy responded enthusiastically to his new mission, posting on X, “Honored to accept this mission. Time to take over space. Let’s launch.”

Change in Direction Amidst Scrutiny of Previous Nominee

Duffy’s appointment comes after Trump withdrew the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut and longtime associate of Elon Musk, who was nominated in December 2024. The decision followed increased scrutiny of Isaacman’s ties to Musk and SpaceX, which some officials regarded as a potential conflict of interest. According to The Associated Press, the president made the change after a “thorough review of prior associations” and concerns over “corporate entanglements.”

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the appointment. Trump’s decision signals a continued focus on space as an integral part of national defense, innovation, and economic development. NASA’s growing role in the administration’s agenda is evident, especially following the establishment of the U.S. Space Force during Trump’s first term.

As Duffy assumes leadership at NASA, attention will turn to the direction of the agency’s programs and its contributions to America’s position in global space exploration and technology. The interim administrator is expected to build on existing initiatives and further the president’s vision for a revitalized U.S. presence in space.