The New York Post reported this past September that technology billionaire Jared Isaacman became the first private citizen to complete a space walk.

While Isaacman had been tapped to head NASA, President Donald Trump abruptly called off his nomination this past weekend. 

Moves comes after "a thorough review" of Isaacman's "prior associations"

According to the Post, Trump revealed that Isaacman's nomination was being recalled in a Saturday post on his Truth Social platform.

"After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA," Trump explained.

The president then pledged that he "will soon announce a new Nominee who will be Mission aligned, and put America First in Space."

The Post observed that Isaacman is a close associate of Elon Musk, who is returning to the private sector after helping to found and lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk and others lament decision to drop Isaacman's nomination

Trump's decision to withdraw Isaacman's nomination was met with online criticism from Tesla investor and technology reporter Sawyer Merritt.

Merritt later asserted that failing to confirm Isaacman would represent a "massive loss for America, space exploration and the future of NASA.

For his part, Musk also lamented the decision to drop Isaacman in a post of his own, writing, "It is rare to find someone so competent and good-hearted."

Isaacman thanks Trump and "all those who supported" his nomination

Meanwhile, Isaacman released a statement in which he expressed gratitude to "to President Trump, the Senate and all those who supported me throughout this journey."

I am incredibly grateful to President Trump @POTUS, the Senate and all those who supported me throughout this journey. The past six months have been enlightening and, honestly, a bit thrilling. I have gained a much deeper appreciation for the complexities of government and the…

— Jared Isaacman (@rookisaacman) June 1, 2025

"The past six months have been enlightening and, honestly, a bit thrilling. I have gained a much deeper appreciation for the complexities of government and the weight our political leaders carry," he continued.

"The President, NASA and the American people deserve the very best--an Administrator ready to reorganize, rebuild and rally the best and brightest minds to deliver the world-changing headlines NASA was built to create," the billionaire added.