Jared Isaacman, a close ally of Elon Musk, had his nomination to lead NASA withdrawn shortly after Musk’s exit from the White House, according to reports by DailyMail.com.
Isaacman suggested his removal stemmed from internal disputes linked to Musk and rival advisers. “One person decided to make a move,” Isaacman told the All-In Podcast, implying his ousting was less about him personally and more about his connection to Musk.
The decision came after a “thorough review” of Isaacman’s past associations, including donations to Democratic campaigns, which reportedly concerned President Trump. However, many MAGA supporters believe Isaacman’s ties to Musk made him a target for political rivals aiming to damage Trump’s alliances ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Senator Tim Sheehy, a Trump ally, defended Isaacman, calling him “a strong choice by President Trump to lead NASA” and opposing efforts to derail his nomination.
White House officials emphasized the need for NASA’s leader to align with President Trump’s America First agenda, signaling a replacement will be announced soon.
Isaacman’s nomination had cleared a Senate committee and was headed for confirmation when Trump withdrew it on his last day in office, reportedly after pressure from personnel officials like Sergio Gor, who allegedly opposed Isaacman and Musk’s influence.
Musk’s recent departure from the White House was marked by tensions with Trump’s inner circle. Former strategist Steve Bannon revealed a physical confrontation occurred between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, adding to the turmoil surrounding Musk’s role.
Despite Musk’s exit, Trump posted a photo with Musk and his son, suggesting no personal rift between them. However, Musk has since criticized Trump’s spending bill and lamented the treatment of his allies in the administration.
The saga reflects ongoing power struggles within the Trump camp, with Isaacman caught in the crossfire due to his association with Musk, who remains a controversial figure in political and business circles.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
