President Donald Trump has selected US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as interim NASA administrator, the highest-ranking official of the agency.
Duffy’s career includes appearances on reality television programs such as “The Real World: Boston” and “Road Rules: All Stars”; eight years of service in the House of Representatives, where he represented Wisconsin’s 7th district; and eight years as district attorney of Ashland County in Wisconsin.
He does not, however, have significant experience with space policy. Duffy replaces Janet Petro, an engineer and director of the Kennedy Space Center whom Trump appointed upon assuming office this past January.
Duffy posted on X upon stepping into the role, writing “Honored to accept this mission. Time to take over space. Let’s launch.” The post also included a screenshot of post from Trump to Truth Social, which announced the appointment.
“Sean is doing a TREMENDOUS job in handling our Country’s Transportation Affairs, including creating a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control systems, while at the same time rebuilding our roads and bridges, making them efficient, and beautiful, again,” the president wrote in the post.
Duffy’s appointment isn’t the only major NASA news this week. Documents obtained by Politico revealed that over 2,000 high-ranking employees, many of which have specialized skills or management responsibilities, are reportedly leaving the agency.
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