Trump taps transportation secretary Sean Duffy as acting NASA chief

Amidst unprecedented funds cuts and looming layoffs, U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as appearing NASA Administrator.

The appointment is momentary, and Duffy will proceed main the Division of Transportation whereas assuming the NASA function, Trump mentioned in a post 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 Visitors Management programs, whereas on the identical time rebuilding our roads and bridges, making them environment friendly, and exquisite, once more,” Trump mentioned.

The appointment is very uncommon. There isn’t any 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 site 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 funds that can 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 scale 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 Trump mentioned he rescinded assist following a “thorough evaluation of prior associations,” citing Isaacman’s donations to Democratic candidates and the billionaire’s shut ties to SpaceX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 House Enterprise, run NASA, when NASA is such a giant a part of Elon’s company life,” Trump mentioned in a separate Fact Social submit.

Duffy replaces Kennedy House Heart director Janet Petro, a long-time NASA bureaucrat. It’s unclear how lengthy he’ll stay within the place.