It has been revealed that Jared Isaacman, the nominee for Director General of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has had his nomination withdrawn ahead of the federal Senate's confirmation vote.
On the 31st (local time), the U.S. internet media The Hill reported this. During a Senate hearing last month, Isaacman stated regarding NASA's space exploration plans, "We will prioritize lunar exploration over Mars," which sparked controversy among supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump.
President Trump has shown interest in Mars exploration, stating in his inauguration speech on the 1st, "We will send American astronauts to Mars and plant the American flag there."
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, who assisted President Trump as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has established SpaceX to develop Mars for human habitation on other planets, and is working on the large spacecraft called "Starship." On the 27th, it conducted its ninth Earth orbit test flight.
The White House noted, "President Trump will soon announce a new nominee," and emphasized that the next NASA head must fully comply with "America First" policies.