ISTANBUL

US President Donald Trump on late Saturday said he is withdrawing his nomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman, an associate of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, to lead NASA, citing a review of the latter’s past associations.

“After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “I will soon announce a new nominee who will be mission-aligned and put America First in Space.”

Trump did not elaborate on what associations he was referring to.

Responding to the decision, Musk wrote of Isaacman on X: “It is rare to find someone so competent and good-hearted.”

Isaacman also said on X that the past six months had been “enlightening and, honestly, a bit thrilling,” adding that he had gained a deeper appreciation for the weight of public service. He praised the “competent, dedicated people” working in government and expressed continued support for Trump and NASA.

Isaacman, 42, a close associate of Trump adviser Elon Musk, was nominated in December to serve as NASA administrator.

The tech billionaire has never held federal office but has flown to space twice on commercial missions through Musk’s company.