Trump faucets transportation secretary Sean Duffy as performing NASA chief
Amidst unprecedented finances cuts and looming layoffs, U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as performing NASA Administrator.
The appointment is non permanent, and Duffy will proceed main the Division of Transportation whereas assuming the NASA position, Trump mentioned in a submit on his social media website, Fact Social.
“Sean is doing a TREMENDOUS job in dealing with our Nation’s Transportation Affairs, together with making a state-of-the-art Air Site 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 very uncommon. There is no such thing as a precedent for an performing DOT chief additionally main NASA, even on an interim foundation. Traditionally, NASA Directors have typically been former astronauts, long-time NASA bureaucrats, former congresspeople or army veterans.
Duffy has no formal background in science or area, although the DOT does oversee the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees industrial area transportation and air visitors management. As he’ll carry out each management roles concurrently, it’s doubtless that his NASA tenure will likely be targeted on implementing Trump’s near-term coverage objectives.
These objectives embrace wide-ranging cuts to NASA’s finances that may doubtless slash many science initiatives and steeply cut back its workforce. The cuts, as spelled out within the White Home’s “One Large Stunning 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 area twice on personal SpaceX missions. Trump mentioned he rescinded help following a “thorough evaluation of prior associations,” citing Isaacman’s donations to Democratic candidates and the billionaire’s shut ties to SpaceX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 pal of Elon, who was within the Area Enterprise, run NASA, when NASA is such an enormous a part of Elon’s company life,” Trump mentioned in a separate Fact Social submit.
Duffy replaces Kennedy Area Heart director Janet Petro, a long-time NASA bureaucrat. It’s unclear how lengthy he’ll stay within the place.