Trump says he has picked Musk ally Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, per a Truth Social post
I am delighted to nominate Jared Isaacman, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot, and astronaut, as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Jared will drive NASA’s mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration. Over the past 25 years, as the Founder and CEO of Shift4, Jared has demonstrated exceptional leadership, building a trailblazing global financial technology company. He also co-founded and served as CEO of Draken International, a defense aerospace company, for over a decade, supporting the U.S. Department of Defense, and our Allies. Jared’s passion for Space, astronaut experience, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and advancing the new Space economy, make him ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new Era. Congratulations to Jared, his wife Monica, and their children, Mila & Liv!
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 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. Space holds unparalleled potential for breakthroughs in manufacturing, biotechnology, mining, and perhaps even pathways to new sources of energy. There will inevitably be a thriving space economy—one that will create opportunities for countless people to live and work in space. At NASA, we will passionately pursue these possibilities and usher in an era where humanity becomes a true spacefaring civilization.I was born after the Moon landings; my children were born after the final space shuttle launch. With the support of President Trump, I can promise you this: We will never again lose our ability to journey to the stars and never settle for second place. We will inspire children, yours and mine, to look up and dream of what is possible. Americans will walk on the Moon and Mars and in doing so, we will make life better here on Earth.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.Grateful to serve,Jared
Bridenstine wasn’t nominated for NASA administrator until the September after Trump’s inauguration. I imagine Elon has had influence on the much earlier nomination and I suspect on who the nominee is too.
https://twitter.com/rookisaacman/status/1864346915183157636Quote from: Jared IsaacmanAmericans will walk on the Moon and Mars and in doing so, we will make life better here on Earth.
Americans will walk on the Moon and Mars and in doing so, we will make life better here on Earth.
Congratulations - you are going to be terrific!
Quote from: butters on 11/06/2024 02:39 pmHe'll strongly value Elon Musk's preferences, and if they can't push their picks through a slim majority in Senate confirmation, he'll use a series of "acting" appointments to bypass Senate confirmation. I think at the top of the short list will be people we know as enthusiasts but aren't household names. Steve Jurvetson for example.If one goes over this path of thinking...Jared Issacman seems more of a possible candidate. After all he already has long time experience dealing with the US government and military via his Draken International.
He'll strongly value Elon Musk's preferences, and if they can't push their picks through a slim majority in Senate confirmation, he'll use a series of "acting" appointments to bypass Senate confirmation. I think at the top of the short list will be people we know as enthusiasts but aren't household names. Steve Jurvetson for example.
The only real downside I could think of is lack of connections with Congress. The last two NASA administrators have had Congressional experience and used their relationships with Congress to make things go a bit more smoothly in that area.
Congratulations to my friend @rookisaacman.I have had the great opportunity to follow and photograph him during his two spaceflight campaigns over the last almost four years. That’s consisted of countless fighter jet flights, mountaineering, all types of extracurricular spaceflight training like scuba diving and skydiving, and more, all around the country and the world. And through it all, I’ve seen someone in Jared who is perfectly fit to lead NASA.Through Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn, I have seen a man deeply committed to furthering humanity’s progress in space, but also committed to addressing hardships here on Earth in raising over $250M for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and furthering Starlink connectivity efforts globally, as to improve telemedicine capabilities on a worldwide scale.But most importantly and largely behind the scenes, I have seen firsthand all of the ways in which he is an honorable, humble, kind, empathetic, intelligent, and bold leader. I can earnestly say he is one of the kindest humans I’ve ever met.At an event a few weeks ago, someone unexpectedly asked me what is the one key takeaway I’ve had from shadowing Jared these last few years. I had no clue what to say. It was all so obvious, but how could I sum that up succinctly? A business leader, pilot, astronaut, etc — what do you even say?After a a bit of thinking, I simply said, “he’s measured.”He does not let the wins get to his head, and is not broken by the lows. He responds, not reacts. He’s incredible at empowering others to do what they do best, while providing the support and leadership to ensure all vectors are aligned toward the common goal.Steadfast, consistent, and measured — yet bold — leadership is exactly what NASA needs at this moment, and I can’t wait to see the direction NASA takes under his leadership.The great adventure is just beginning. To the Moon and Mars. Congrats Rook.
