Trump Pulls Jared Isaacman’s Nomination for NASA Administrator Days Before Senate Vote

Insider Brief

• Just days before the Senate was expected to vote on Jared Isaacman’s nomination to lead NASA, President Donald Trump has withdrawn the nomination, citing “a thorough review of prior associations.”
• Concerns reportedly surfaced over Isaacman’s ties to Elon Musk, who left the administration earlier this week.
• Isaacman responded to the withdrawal on X: “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. I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity and cheering on our President and NASA as they lead us on the greatest adventure in human history”

Just days before the Senate was expected to vote on Jared Isaacman’s nomination to lead NASA, President Donald Trump has withdrawn the nomination, citing “a thorough review of prior associations.”

Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and commercial astronaut, had advanced through the Senate Commerce Committee in April and was on track for a confirmation vote next week. The White House confirmed the decision to pull the nomination on Saturday. Trump posted on Truth Social: “After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA. I will soon announce a new Nominee who will be Mission aligned, and put America First in Space.”

White House spokesperson Liz Huston emphasized the administration’s priorities: “The Administrator of NASA will help lead humanity into space and execute President Trump’s bold mission of planting the American flag on the planet Mars. It’s essential that the next leader of NASA is in complete alignment with President Trump’s America First agenda.”

Concerns reportedly surfaced over Isaacman’s ties to Elon Musk, who left the administration earlier this week. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer raised the issue publicly, and Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) voiced strong opposition to the nomination being derailed. During his committee hearing, Isaacman distanced himself from Musk’s views, pledging support for NASA’s lunar landing plans, which Musk has previously called a “distraction.”

Isaacman responded to the withdrawal on X, stating: “I am incredibly grateful to President Trump, the Senate and all those who supported me throughout this journey. […] 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.”

NASA has been without a Senate-confirmed administrator since Bill Nelson stepped down in January. Trump’s replacement nominee is expected soon.