June 8, 2025
René DeAnda / Unsplash
WASHINGTON – The Trump-Vance administration’s proposed federal budget has drawn criticism from space industry leaders and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as it recommends a nearly 25% cut to NASA’s funding. The proposed budget, released last month, would slash funding for key science missions, such as the Mars Sample Return mission and Gateway lunar station.
The administration’s Discretionary Budget Request states that the reduction aims to refocus NASA’s efforts on human spaceflight to the Moon and Mars, while cutting support for climate monitoring, mission support personnel, and STEM engagement initiatives described in the document as “woke.” The summary, released May 30, outlines an $8.3 billion investment in Exploration to support the Artemis campaign and NASA’s Mission to Mars. At the same time, it characterizes the Space Launch System and Orion programs as “grossly expensive” and proposes retiring both after Artemis III in 2027.
According to Politico, former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson criticized the budget, saying “You’ve got this incredible agency populated by what I call a bunch of wizards that, on a daily basis, make the impossible possible. And you are going at them with a chainsaw and a meat-ax.”
The proposed budget now heads to Congress, where significant revisions are expected.
Jared Isaacman Nomination Withdrawn
Adding to the week’s headlines, President Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Embry Riddle alumnus Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, citing “a thorough review of prior associations,” according to a Truth Social post made on May 31.
“After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA,” Trump wrote. “I will soon announce a new Nominee who will be Mission aligned, and put America First in Space.”
Donald Trump Tweet
Isaacman, whose résumé includes founding Shift4 Payments, commanding SpaceX’s historic Inspiration 4 mission, and becoming the first private citizen to perform a space walk during Polaris Dawn, responded in an Instagram post: “I have not flown my last mission--- whatever form that may ultimately take---but I remain incredibly optimistic that humanity's greatest spacefaring days lie ahead."
NASA has not released an official statement regarding the withdrawn nomination. A new nominee is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Elon Musk Parts Ways with Trump Administration
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, announced he is formally stepping away from the Trump Administration. Musk, who had served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has faced both criticism and praise for the changes made during his time in office.
On June 3, Musk took to X to criticize the administration’s new tax and spending bill.
Elon Musk Tweet
“I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination.” Musk wrote. “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”
Musk’s resignation adds to growing tensions between the administration and some of its high-profile supporters over government spending.
What comes next?
As the federal budget reaches Congress and new nominees are announced to fill vacant roles, Embry-Riddle students pursuing careers in aerospace and space policy should remember the administration’s shifting priorities can directly influence future research, internships and employment opportunities.
