Donald Trump names billionaire tech founder and friend of Elon Musk as next head of NASA

Isaacman’s appointment comes as something of a shock, with the billionaire tech founder climbing to the top of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Some might consider Isaacman as something of a ‘space tourist’, having served as commander of 2021’s Inspiration4 SpaceX flight.

He returned to the stars in 2024 on the Crew Dragon spacecraft and became the first private citizen to go on a spacewalk.

There’s already some controversy, with critics pointing out that Isaacman has never worked for NASA or even held a government position. Questions have also arisen about his closeness to Elon Musk, with the pair being firm friends. Isaacman has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on private missions, making him one of SpaceX’s biggest customers. As Musk is now firmly by Trump’s side, some are connecting the dots.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “Jared will drive NASA’s mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration.”

I am honored to receive President Trump’s @realDonaldTrump nomination to serve as the next Administrator of NASA. Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history.

On my last mission…

— Jared Isaacman (@rookisaacman) December 4, 2024

It’s speculated that giving him this position is part of an effort to emphasize private-public partnerships for NASA while also providing SpaceX with a potential windfall. Either way, the role will see him head up the Artemis Program’s missions to put mankind back on the surface of the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 went there in 1972.

Hoping he’s up to the challenge, Isaaman had the following to say on X: “At NASA, we will passionately pursue these possibilities and usher in an era where humanity becomes a true spacefaring civilization,”

“On my last mission to space, my crew and I traveled farther from Earth than anyone in over half a century. I can confidently say this second space age has only just begun.”

Saying he’s ‘grateful to serve’, Isaacman concluded: “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve in this role and to work alongside NASA’s extraordinary team to realize our shared dreams of exploration and discovery.”

With NASA handling a budget of around $25 billion, let’s hope Isaacman continues being good with his numbers.