In a series of online exchanges, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk targeted NASA's acting administrator, Sean Duffy, after concerns surfaced regarding the company's progress on the Artemis lunar lander. The online activity, taking place on October 21st, included questioning Duffy's credentials and intellect.

“Sean Dummy is trying to kill NASA!” Musk stated in one post, reacting to reports suggesting Duffy might consider integrating the space agency into the Department of Transportation. He even shared a poll that alluded to Duffy's past career as a lumberjack. These comments came after Duffy indicated plans to “open up” SpaceX’s existing Human Landing System contract for the Artemis 3 mission, citing development delays with Starship.

“I love SpaceX, it’s an amazing company. The problem is they’re behind,” Duffy mentioned in a CNBC interview. “So, I’m going to open up the contract. I’m going to let other space companies compete with SpaceX, like Blue Origin, and again, whatever one can get us there first, to the moon, we’re going to take.”

Musk responded, "SpaceX is moving like lightning compared to the rest of the space industry," adding his vehicle "Starship will end up doing the whole moon mission.” Duffy replied to the earlier post about competition, stating: “Love the passion. The race to the Moon is ON. Great companies shouldn’t be afraid of a challenge.”

These exchanges unfold amid ongoing discussions regarding NASA's leadership. Jared Isaacman, previously nominated for NASA administrator, has reportedly been meeting with officials for a potential renomination. Duffy, in his acting role since July, has also expressed interest in the position, potentially suggesting merging NASA into the Department of Transportation, a move likely to face resistance. Representative George Whitesides remarked that NASA should remain an independent agency.

NASA has requested SpaceX and Blue Origin to present “acceleration approaches” for their lunar lander proposals. Jim Bridenstine, former NASA administrator, has questioned the current strategy. He stated that it was “highly unlikely” the U.S. would return humans to the moon before China’s first crewed landing due to the complexity of SpaceX’s Starship.

Regarding leadership, Musk supported a possible renomination of Jared Isaacman. He simply responded with “💯” to venture capitalist Shaun Maguire’s post saying he cannot imagine a better NASA Administrator than Jared Isaacman.