Internal tensions have erupted within the Trump administration over who will lead NASA, as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, currently serving as acting NASA administrator, pushes to keep the role permanently and even merge the agency into his department.
CNN: Sean Duffy, who currently serves as NASA’s acting administrator, has said privately that he would like to not only hold the space chief title permanently, but also fold NASA into the Department of Transportation, one source told CNN -@KristenhCNN https://t.co/e64Mkkp3jt
— Vaughn Sterling (@vplus) October 27, 2025
Duffy’s ambitions have frustrated White House officials, especially as entrepreneur Jared Isaacman — an associate of Elon Musk whose earlier nomination was withdrawn — has reemerged as the frontrunner for the post.
Duffy interviewed Isaacman for the job earlier this month despite bypassing White House protocol, fueling further tension.
Sean Dummy is trying to kill NASA! https://t.co/cP0RxP09rt
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 21, 2025
The feud spilled into public view after Musk attacked Duffy on X, accusing him of “trying to kill NASA,” following Duffy’s remarks that SpaceX was behind schedule on its lunar lander project.
Sources told NOTUS that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is beginning to feel the pressure that his plan to fold NASA under his purview was slipping and is on thin ice with the White House amid a reignited feud with Elon Musk. https://t.co/jeqH9zTaHo
— NOTUS (@NOTUSreports) October 26, 2025
While President Trump remains supportive of Duffy, officials say he is not prioritizing the NASA appointment amid the ongoing government shutdown.
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TIPP Staff
