“Let’s launch” Says Enthusiastic Secretary Of Transportation

President Donald Trump appointed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy to take the reins as interim administrator of NASA in a move Trump said reflects the rising priority of space in national interests.

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump said, "I am pleased to announce that I am directing our GREAT Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, to be Interim Administrator of NASA. He will be a fantastic leader of the ever more important Space Agency, even if only for a short period of time."

The president had praise for Duffy’s performance at the Department of Transportation, saying his work so far has been “TREMENDOUS” and mentioned his handling of the country’s transportation affairs including the start of rebuilding the air traffic control system while also rebuilding roads and bridges. “Making them efficient, and beautiful, again,” wrote Trump.

Duffy has been a longtime supporter of Trump, and he wrote on X enthusiastically, “Honored to accept this mission. Time to take over space. Let’s launch.”

Meanwhile, the search continues for a permanent administrator for NASA, as Duffy replaces Janet Petro, who has been serving as acting NASA administrator since January.

In May, President Trump withdrew his nomination of astronaut Jared Isaacman for the role. Isaacman is a billionaire and longtime associate of Elon Musk. That relationship troubled some who viewed it as a potential conflict of interest.

Trump said he decided to withdraw Isaacman from the nomination after a “thorough review of prior associations” and growing concerns over “corporate entanglements.”

FMI:  www.nasa.gov/