Trump Administration Officials Frustrated with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Over NASA Leadership

White House officials, including some members of the Trump administration, have expressed frustration with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy over his handling of the NASA leadership nomination process. The tension has been building for months, with Duffy's go-it-alone approach and the delay in naming a permanent NASA administrator sparking anger and confusion within the White House. Meanwhile, Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur and SpaceX associate, has re-emerged as a top contender for the NASA leadership position, after a previous nomination was withdrawn by Trump. The competition between Duffy and Isaacman has spilled into public view, with Trump's advisors and officials expressing concern over the potential consequences of the internal battle.

Key Takeaways:

• Sean Duffy, the acting administrator of NASA and Transportation Secretary, has expressed a desire to fold NASA into the Department of Transportation and hold the space chief title permanently.
• Jared Isaacman, the Elon Musk associate, was previously nominated for the NASA administrator position but was withdrawn by Trump due to Democratic Party donations.
• Isaacman has re-emerged as a top contender for the NASA leadership position and has interviewed with Duffy and his DOT advisers on October 13.
• Trump's advisors and officials are frustrated with Duffy's go-it-alone approach and delay in naming a permanent NASA administrator.
• The internal battle over NASA leadership has sparked public exchanges between Duffy and Elon Musk, with Musk labeling Duffy as "Sean Dummy" and criticizing his efforts to "kill NASA."
• White House officials have stated that while the president would eventually name a head of NASA, it is unclear when it will happen and has not been a priority for Trump.

Statistics:

• SpaceX has a $2.9 billion contract to provide the lunar lander for NASA.
• The internal battle over NASA leadership has dragged on for months, with White House officials describing it as a "monthslong feud."
• Elon Musk appeared to take sides in the battle, publicly sparring with Duffy about the future of NASA.

Sources:

• Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN.
• CNN has reached out to the Department of Transportation for comment.
• White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement praising Secretary Duffy and his handling of the Department of Transportation.
• The Wall Street Journal first reported on the jockeying for the top NASA post.