In a surprising political turnaround, former President Donald Trump has chosen to mend fences with Elon Musk — and his latest move proves it.
After months of tension between the two, Trump announced that he is re-nominating Jared Isaacman, one of Musk’s closest allies, to lead NASA.
A Nomination with History
Trump revealed Isaacman’s nomination for NASA Administrator on his Truth Social account Tuesday night, marking a return to his original choice from last December.
Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur, philanthropist, and astronaut, had previously been selected for the role but saw his offer abruptly rescinded on May 31.
That decision came just one day after Musk left his short-lived government post as head of the Department of Government Efficiency — a departure that reportedly followed a personal falling-out between him and Trump.
The Fallout That Led to the Reversal
The temporary leadership of NASA was handed to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who had been filling in as interim chief.
However, Musk didn’t hold back on social media during Duffy’s tenure.
On X, the platform he owns, Musk wrote sharply critical posts calling Duffy “Sean Dummy” and claiming, “The person responsible for America’s space program can’t have a two-digit IQ.”
Despite Musk’s comments, Trump praised Duffy in his announcement, saying he had done “an incredible job” leading NASA while the administration sought a permanent appointee.
Yet, the former president made it clear that he believed Isaacman was the right person to take the agency into what he called “a bold new era.”
Trump Praises Isaacman’s Space Vision
In his post, Trump described Isaacman as “an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot, and astronaut,” and praised his “passion for space” and commitment to pushing humanity’s boundaries of exploration.
He congratulated Isaacman along with his wife, Monica, and their two daughters, Mila and Liv.
Isaacman, who made history as the pilot of SpaceX’s first civilian-crewed space mission, thanked Trump for the nomination on X, saying, “It will be an honor to serve my country under your leadership.”
He also expressed gratitude toward Duffy, acknowledging his efforts in managing NASA during the interim period.
A Rocky Past Between Trump and Isaacman
This nomination marks a full reversal from Trump’s earlier stance.
Back in May, Trump withdrew Isaacman’s name after what he described as a “thorough review” of the nominee’s past affiliations.
The former president later said he was “surprised” to learn Isaacman was “a blue-blooded
Democrat” who had never donated to the Republican Party.
Despite those initial misgivings, Isaacman now finds himself once again in Trump’s favor — and Musk’s enthusiasm for the decision has been clear.
The tech billionaire shared both Trump’s and Isaacman’s posts announcing the nomination, signaling his approval.
Isaacman’s Message to NASA and Space Enthusiasts
In a heartfelt message, Isaacman said the support he received from the “space-loving community” had been overwhelming and promised to live up to their trust.
He addressed NASA employees and space innovators directly, calling this “the most exciting time since the dawn of the space age.”
“To the innovators building the orbital economy, to the scientists pursuing breakthrough discoveries, and to dreamers across the world eager for a return to the Moon and the grand journey beyond,” he wrote, “it is time to inspire the world once again to achieve the near-impossible.”
Isaacman vowed that under his leadership, “NASA will never be a caretaker of history — but will forever make history.”
The Trump–Musk Relationship Heals
Trump’s decision to reinstate Isaacman appears to be part of a broader reconciliation with Musk.
Their once-close relationship had soured earlier in the year, but recent events suggest they are on friendlier terms again.
Just last week, Trump told reporters that he and Musk have been speaking “on and off” since attending conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s funeral together in Arizona.
When asked about their status, Trump replied simply: “Our relationship is good.”
A Renewed Chapter for NASA and the Trump–Musk Alliance
With Isaacman’s nomination back on the table and Musk’s public approval, the move symbolizes more than just a staffing decision — it marks the rekindling of a once-powerful political and technological alliance.
If confirmed, Isaacman will be leading NASA at a crucial time, one that promises new spacefrontiers, a revived U.S. lunar mission, and — perhaps most notably — the visible return of cooperation between Trump and Musk.