Why Trump has suddenly changed his mind is unclear, and the president made no mention of the past when he wrote on his Truth Social platform that he was “pleased to nominate” Isaacman for the role.
“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,” the president wrote.
The Nasa administrator role will be Isaacman’s first job in politics, representing a departure from the last two men appointed to the job.
It requires confirmation by the Senate, where the Republican Party holds a 53-47 majority. Even though the US government has been shut down since early October, the Senate is still able to confirm presidential nominees.
Thanking the president, Isaacman wrote on X that “it will be an honor” to serve in the role.
“The support from the space-loving community has been overwhelming,” he wrote in a long post, external, that also acknowledged Nasa scientists and innovators.
“I am not sure how I earned the trust of so many, but I will do everything I can to live up to those expectations.”
Sean Duffy, the head of the transport department, has been interim Nasa chief since July.