Oriented on making people closer

US President Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as the interim head of NASA. Trump shared this news on his Truth Social social network.

"Sean is doing a tremendous job handling our nation's transportation, including building modern air traffic control systems, while also restoring our roads and bridges, making them efficient and beautiful again," Trump wrote. "He will be a fantastic leader of the increasingly important Space Agency, even if for a short period."

In December 2024, Trump had nominated billionaire astronaut Jared Isaacman for this position. At that time, Trump stated that Isaacman's "passion for space, astronaut experience, and drive to push the boundaries of exploration" made him the ideal candidate. Reuters reported that Isaacman's nomination was linked to the influence of billionaire Elon Musk on Trump, with Isaacman considered an ally of Musk.

Isaacman's candidacy was approved in April (presumably April 2025), but by early June (presumably June 2025), Trump withdrew it, promising to name a new candidate later. This decision was made amidst an escalating conflict between Trump and Musk. Isaacman himself claimed that the reason for the withdrawal of his candidacy was also pressure from advisors, especially after the deterioration of relations between Trump and Musk.

Musk and Trump publicly fell out after the businessman criticized Trump's "big beautiful tax cut bill," which, according to Musk, increases the US budget deficit. The President, in turn, stated that he was disappointed in Musk. In early July (presumably July 2025), Musk announced the launch of a new political project—the "America" party. He stated that the party's main goal would be to win seats in Congress and ensure decisive votes on contentious laws.

ORIENT

Photo: www.rbc.ru