President Trump announced late Wednesday that he would transport the Secretary of Transport, who will serve NASA as the new interim chief.
“Shaun has done an incredible job of handling our country’s transportation operations, including creating cutting-edge air traffic control systems, while also rebuilding roads and bridges to make them efficient, beautiful and beautiful again. “He will be an incredible leader in space agencies, even for a short period of time, more important than ever. Congratulations.
Duffy is temporarily replacing Janet Petro, a former Kennedy Space Center director who has been an interim NASA administrator since Trump took office and Bill Nelson resigned. It is unclear whether Petro will return to her role in KSC. The Sentinel contacted NASA for comment.
“We are honored to embrace this mission. Time to take over the space. Let’s launch it,” Duffy posted to X after the news was announced.
The move comes just over a month after Trump removed the nomination for billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA chief, days before the Senate confirmed him for permanent work.
At the time, Trump cited the fact that Isaac Man had previously made several campaign contributions to the Democrats, but many thought this was a move related to the brewing feud between Trump and Elon Musk. Isaacman had a close relationship with Musk and flew to Space twice on SpaceX.
Trump has since said he doesn’t think it’s appropriate for the NASA head to have such a family relationship with SpaceX, as NASA has signed so many contracts with the company.
On his part, Isaac Man praised Duffy’s choice.
“Aside from the new candidates, this was a big move: @Nasa needs political leadership from someone the president trusts and is confident in.
He noted that even the final permanent candidate would take at least four months for a confirmation hearing to take place.
“If you love NASA, trust me. I want to be someone who can text the president with interim administrators. Trustworthy cabinet members like Duffy are a good move,” Isaacman wrote.
