Amidst unprecedented finances cuts and looming layoffs, U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as appearing NASA Administrator.
The appointment is short-term, and Duffy will proceed main the Division of Transportation whereas assuming the NASA function, Trump mentioned in a post on his social media website, Reality Social.
“Sean is doing a TREMENDOUS job in dealing with our Nation’s Transportation Affairs, together with making a state-of-the-art Air Visitors Management methods, whereas on the identical time rebuilding our roads and bridges, making them environment friendly, and delightful, once more,” Trump mentioned.
The appointment is extremely uncommon. There is no such thing as a precedent for an appearing DOT chief additionally main NASA, even on an interim foundation. Traditionally, NASA Directors have usually been former astronauts, long-time NASA bureaucrats, former congresspeople or navy veterans.
Duffy has no formal background in science or house, although the DOT does oversee the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees industrial house transportation and air visitors management. As he’ll carry out each management roles concurrently, it’s seemingly that his NASA tenure can be centered on implementing Trump’s near-term coverage objectives.
These objectives embody wide-ranging cuts to NASA’s finances that can seemingly slash many science initiatives and steeply cut back its workforce. The cuts, as spelled out within the White Home’s “One Large Lovely Invoice,” would cut back the company’s funding by 25% and reduce headcount by 5,000.
Duffy’s appointment comes simply weeks after Trump abruptly withdrew his nomination of billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman to NASA Administrator. Isaacman, who made his fortune from his firm Shift4 Funds, has flown to house twice on non-public SpaceX missions. Trump mentioned he rescinded assist following a “thorough evaluate of prior associations,” citing Isaacman’s donations to Democratic candidates and the billionaire’s shut ties to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Trump’s reversal on Isaacman reportedly led to the souring of relations between the president and Musk.
“I additionally thought it inappropriate {that a} very shut buddy of Elon, who was within the House Enterprise, run NASA, when NASA is such a giant a part of Elon’s company life,” Trump mentioned in a separate Reality Social submit.
Duffy replaces Kennedy House Middle director Janet Petro, a long-time NASA bureaucrat. It’s unclear how lengthy he’ll stay within the place.