Trump Names Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as Interim NASA Administrator
President Donald Trump has appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to serve as acting administrator of NASA, marking a significant leadership change for the nation’s space agency. The appointment takes effect immediately as Trump reshapes key federal agencies during his administration.
Duffy, who has led the Department of Transportation since 2021, will now oversee NASA’s $25 billion annual budget and critical space exploration programs. The former Wisconsin congressman brings extensive government experience to the role, though he lacks a traditional aerospace background typical of previous NASA leaders.
The timing of this appointment comes as NASA faces crucial decisions regarding the Artemis moon program and ongoing Mars exploration missions. The agency currently employs over 17,000 workers across 10 major centers nationwide, all of whom will report to Duffy during his interim tenure.
Trump has not yet announced whether he plans to nominate Duffy permanently or if this represents a temporary arrangement while searching for a long-term candidate. The position requires Senate confirmation for permanent appointment.
This leadership transition occurs during a pivotal period for American space exploration, with NASA coordinating multiple high-profile missions and maintaining partnerships with private companies like SpaceX. Duffy’s transportation expertise may prove valuable as NASA continues developing launch systems and space logistics capabilities.
The White House has not released additional details about the appointment timeline or Duffy’s specific priorities for the space agency.
