The White House on Saturday withdrew Jared Isaacman’s nomination to head NASA, unexpectedly removing the Elon Musk ally from consideration for the top post at the US space agency.
President Donald Trump said he would announce a new candidate soon.
“After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social site.
“I will soon announce a new nominee who will be mission aligned, and put America First in space.”
Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut who had been Musk’s pick to lead NASA, was due next week for a much-delayed confirmation vote before the US Senate.
His removal from consideration caught many in the space industry by surprise.
Trump and the White House did not explain what led to the decision.
“It may not always be obvious through the discourse and turbulence, but there are many competent, dedicated people who love this country and care deeply about the mission,” Isaacman said in a post on X.
“That was on full display during my hearing, where leaders on both sides of the aisle made clear they’re willing to fight for the world’s most accomplished space agency.
“I am incredibly grateful to President Trump, the Senate and all those who supported me.”
His removal comes days after Musk’s official departure from the White House, where the SpaceX CEO’s role as a “special government employee” leading the Department of Government Efficiency created turbulence for the administration and frustrated some of Trump’s aides.
Semafor reported the news earlier.
Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to a person familiar with his reaction, Musk was disappointed by Isaacman’s removal.
“It is rare to find someone so competent and good-hearted,” Musk wrote of Isaacman on X, responding to the news.
“That was on full display during my hearing, where leaders on both sides of the aisle made clear they’re willing to fight for the world’s most accomplished space agency.
“I am incredibly grateful to President Trump, the Senate and all those who supported me.”
His removal comes days after Musk’s official departure from the White House, where the SpaceX CEO’s role as a “special government employee” leading the Department of Government Efficiency created turbulence for the administration and frustrated some of Trump’s aides.
Semafor reported the news earlier.
Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to a person familiar with his reaction, Musk was disappointed by Isaacman’s removal.
“It is rare to find someone so competent and good-hearted,” Musk wrote of Isaacman on X, responding to the news.
“That was on full display during my hearing, where leaders on both sides of the aisle made clear they’re willing to fight for the world’s most accomplished space agency.
“I am incredibly grateful to President Trump, the Senate and all those who supported me.”
His removal comes days after Musk’s official departure from the White House, where the SpaceX CEO’s role as a “special government employee” leading the Department of Government Efficiency created turbulence for the administration and frustrated some of Trump’s aides.
Semafor reported the news earlier.
Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to a person familiar with his reaction, Musk was disappointed by Isaacman’s removal.
“It is rare to find someone so competent and good-hearted,” Musk wrote of Isaacman on X, responding to the news.
