The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, creating further turmoil for the agency already grappling with proposed drastic budget reductions. A White House spokesperson, Liz Huston, announced the decision in a statement to SpaceNews on May 31, stating the administration is searching for a new candidate. This followed a Semafor report earlier that day predicting the withdrawal.
“The Administrator of NASA will help lead humanity into space and execute President Trump’s bold mission of planting the American flag on the planet Mars,” Huston declared. “It’s essential that the next leader of NASA is in complete alignment with President Trump’s America First agenda and a replacement will be announced directly by President Trump soon.” The statement offered no explanation for the withdrawal, and Huston didn't immediately respond to inquiries.
The decision's origin—whether from the White House or Isaacman himself—remains unclear, though other sources point to the administration initiating the move. The space industry was taken aback, as Isaacman seemed poised for confirmation within days. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) had filed cloture on the nomination May 22, paving the way for a confirmation vote the week of June 3. There was no public Republican opposition, and several Democrats on the Senate Commerce Committee supported the nomination.
Isaacman enjoyed considerable industry backing, with numerous organizations advocating for his confirmation. He also garnered support from 28 former NASA astronauts and former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine, who called Isaacman an “amazing” choice. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) voiced his disappointment on social media, stating, “Astronaut and successful businessman @RookIsaacman was a strong choice by President Trump to lead NASA. I was proud to introduce Jared at his hearing and strongly oppose efforts to derail his nomination.”
Speculation points to a strained relationship between President Trump and Elon Musk as a potential factor. The decision followed a press conference a day earlier marking the end of Musk's role as a special government employee. Isaacman was widely considered Musk's pick for the NASA leadership position. Isaacman's experience includes leading the Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn private astronaut missions for SpaceX.
The timing also coincides with NASA's release of details on its proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which includes approximately a 25% overall spending cut, with even steeper reductions in science, space technology, and other non-exploration areas. Isaacman, in April responses to Senate questions, expressed concern about the potential for nearly 50% science funding cuts, stating it “does not appear to be an optimal outcome.” The budget documents from May 30 confirmed these cuts.