Trump Withdraws Musk Ally Jared Isaacman’s NASA Nomination

In a surprise Saturday night announcement, President Donald Trump withdrew his nomination of Jared Isaacman a billionaire entrepreneur, SpaceX astronaut, and Elon Musk ally to head NASA.

The decision followed reports that Isaacman had donated to Democrat politicians, raising concerns among Trump loyalists about the nominee’s alignment with the “America First” agenda.

“After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I will soon announce a new Nominee who will be Mission aligned, and put America First in Space.”

Isaacman, the 41-year-old CEO of Shift4 and a decorated pilot who has flown on two private SpaceX missions, was seen by many as a technocratic pick who could bring innovation to NASA. He had already cleared the Senate Commerce Committee and was expected to secure bipartisan support in a full floor vote potentially drawing over 70 votes, according to insiders.

However, according to The New York Times, Trump changed course after learning about Isaacman’s financial contributions to Democratic campaigns, despite Isaacman also having donated $2 million to Trump’s 2017 inauguration.

Pro-Trump journalist Laura Loomer posted earlier Saturday that “Deep State operatives” were working to derail Isaacman’s nomination, hinting at political retaliation linked to his association with Elon Musk. Musk, who recently ended a short stint in Trump’s administration as a government efficiency advisor, has drawn the ire of establishment forces for his unapologetic criticism of Big Tech censorship and the D.C. status quo.

Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), who had introduced Isaacman during his confirmation hearing, praised his credentials, saying: “Astronaut and successful businessman [Isaacman] was a strong choice by President Trump to lead NASA. I strongly oppose efforts to derail his nomination.”

Despite the setback, Isaacman struck a gracious tone, writing on X that he remained “incredibly grateful” for the nomination. “The President, NASA, and the American people deserve the very best an Administrator ready to reorganize, rebuild, and rally the best and brightest minds,” he stated.

While Isaacman might not lead the space agency, Trump’s decision underscores a key message: only nominees fully aligned with the America First vision will lead our nation’s institutions, especially one as symbolic and strategic as NASA.

The move sends a clear signal that the Trump administration is reclaiming American dominance in space and won’t tolerate divided loyalties at the helm.

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