Trump Abruptly Withdraws Musk Ally’s Nomination For NASA Chief

On Saturday night, President Donald Trump abruptly withdrew his nomination of Jared Isaacman, a close ally of Elon Musk, to be the next Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

“After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “I will soon announce a new Nominee who will be Mission aligned, and put America First in Space. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The New York Times reported that Trump had told people he was going to withdraw the nomination after learning that Isaacman, an entrepreneur who has flown into space twice with Musk’s SpaceX company, made donations to Democrats. Isaacson had been poised to get a final confirmation vote in the Senate after passing through the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

In a post on X, Isaacman said he was “incredibly grateful” to Trump, the Senate, and those who supported him through the nomination process over the past six months.

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“The President, NASA and the American people deserve the very best–an Administrator ready to reorganize, rebuild and rally the best and brightest minds to deliver the world-changing headlines NASA was built to create,” Isaacman said. “I have not flown my last mission — whatever form that may ultimately take — but I remain incredibly optimistic that humanity’s greatest spacefaring days lie ahead.”

Pro-Trump activist journalist Laura Loomer reported on X earlier on Saturday that “Deep State operatives” were trying to “derail” Isaacman’s nomination, noting there was “reason to believe” that he was “facing retaliation because of his friendship” with Musk, who just ended a stint as a special government employee in Trump’s administration. Loomer also pointed out that Isaacman had given $2 million to Trump’s inauguration and was on track to get over 70 votes in the Senate.

Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) reacted to Loomer’s post, saying, “Astronaut and successful businessman [Isaacman] was a strong choice by President Trump to lead NASA. I was proud to introduce Jared at his hearing and strongly oppose efforts to derail his nomination.”