WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced late Saturday that he is withdrawing the nomination of Lehigh Valley billionaire and Shift4 founder Jared Isaacman, an associate of Trump adviser Elon Musk, to lead NASA, saying he reached the decision after a “thorough review” of Isaacman’s “prior associations.”
It was unclear what Trump meant and the White House did not immediately respond to an emailed request for an explanation.
“After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” Trump wrote on his social media site. “I will soon announce a new Nominee who will be Mission aligned, and put America First in Space.”
Trump announced in December during the presidential transition that he had chosen Isaacman to be the space agency’s next administrator.
Isaacman, 42, has been a close collaborator with Musk ever since buying his first chartered flight on Musk’s SpaceX company in 2021.
He is the CEO and founder of Shift4, a credit card processing company in Upper Saucon Township. He also bought a series of spaceflights from SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk. SpaceX has extensive contracts with NASA.
“I have not flown my last mission — whatever form that may ultimately take – but I remain incredibly optimistic that humanity’s greatest spacefaring days lie ahead."Jared Isaacman, Shift4 founder and former nominee to lead NASA
In the Lehigh Valley, Isaacman has been involved in philanthropic efforts. He funded the Da Vinci Science Center's Isaacman Next Generation Science Institute and the educational programs it provides.
Isaacman 'grateful,' 'optimistic'
In a statement posted on X, Isaacman said he was grateful for the opportunity.
"The past six months have been enlightening and, honestly, a bit thrilling," he said. "I have gained a much deeper appreciation for the complexities of government and the weight our political leaders carry.
“It may not always be obvious through the discourse and turbulence, but there are many competent, dedicated people who love this country and care deeply about the mission. That was on full display during my hearing, where leaders on both sides of the aisle made clear they’re willing to fight for the world’s most accomplished space agency.
“The President, NASA and the American people deserve the very best–an Administrator ready to reorganize, rebuild and rally the best and brightest minds to deliver the world-changing headlines NASA was built to create.
“I have not flown my last mission — whatever form that may ultimately take – but I remain incredibly optimistic that humanity’s greatest spacefaring days lie ahead. I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity and cheering on our President and NASA as they lead us on the greatest adventure in human history.”
Ties to Musk
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved Isaacman’s nomination in late April and a vote by the full Senate was expected soon.
Musk appeared to lament Trump’s decision after the news broke earlier Saturday, posting on the X site that, “It is rare to find someone so competent and good-hearted.”
SpaceX is owned by Musk, a Trump campaign contributor and adviser who announced this week that he is leaving the government after several months at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Trump created the agency to slash the size of government and put Musk in charge.
Semafor was first to report that the White House had decided to pull Isaacman’s nomination.