The White House withdrew its nominee for NASA administrator, Jared Isaacman, on Saturday, abruptly pulling a close ally of Elon Musk from consideration to lead the space agency. 

President Donald Trump announced the decision via Truth Social, stating, “After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA. I will soon announce a new nominee who will be mission aligned and put America First in space.” 

Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut and Musk’s preferred pick, was set for a long-delayed Senate confirmation vote next week. His removal stunned many in the space sector. No reason for the withdrawal was publicly provided. 

“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,” Isaacman said on X. “I am incredibly grateful to President Trump, the Senate and all those who supported me.” 

The move follows Musk’s recent exit from the White House, where his controversial role as a “special government employee” frustrated Trump aides and created political tension. 

GALLERY | Trump pulls Musk ally’s NASA nomination, will announce replacement 

Musk did not comment publicly, but according to a source familiar with his reaction, he was disappointed. “It is rare to find someone so competent and good-hearted,” Musk later posted on X. 

Isaacman would have faced the challenge of leading NASA’s 18,000 employees and shifting the agency’s focus to Mars, while reconciling that with its ongoing moon mission efforts. 

The Trump administration’s proposed 2026 budget, released Friday, included sweeping cuts to space science programs and thousands of job losses, causing alarm among scientists and lawmakers. 

Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), who introduced Isaacman at his confirmation hearing, criticised the withdrawal: “Jared was a strong choice by President Trump to lead NASA. I strongly oppose efforts to derail his nomination.” 

Some experts say the leadership vacuum could deepen instability at NASA. “Not having (Isaacman) as boss of NASA is bad news for the agency,” said Harvard-Smithsonian astronomer Jonathan McDowell on X. “Maybe a good thing for Jared himself though, since being NASA head right now is a bit of a ‘Kobayashi Maru’ scenario.” 

The search for a new NASA administrator now continues, under the cloud of political pressure and industry uncertainty.