Latest news with #JaredIsaacman
Newsweek
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Abundance in Orbit—The Case for Democrats Reclaiming NASA's Bold Vision
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NASA is in crisis. The space agency that once embodied American ambition—proof that our government could do bold things and solve hard problems—is now unraveling before our eyes. More than 2,000 senior staff are heading for the exits. Without help from Congress, science programs will be slashed to the bone. And a permanent administrator is nowhere in sight. Unless a different vision emerges—one rooted in public ambition and scientific leadership—the U.S. risks forfeiting a field it once defined. The good news? There's a growing hunger for that kind of vision. The success of the "abundance agenda" in other policy arenas has shown that voters are ready to believe in big things again. Space should be next. Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur and civilian astronaut many expected to lead NASA, had potential to offer exactly this kind of leadership—until his nomination was scrapped under White House scrutiny. A NASA logo is displayed at the entrance to the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building on June 2, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A NASA logo is displayed at the entrance to the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building on June 2, 2025, in Washington, was graceful in his exit, but his recent commentary has had a clear through-line: space is the high ground, one that gives any country who ventures into it a clear advantage. As Democrats struggle to connect with the American people, with recent polls showing a 30-year low in popularity, now is the time to show the U.S. electorate a path of inspiration. And the rise of the abundance agenda, applied to space sciences, can be a critical way to galvanize support. Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's bestselling book, Abundance, has shifted the conversation primarily in terms of housing abundance, and recent elections have shown the stickiness of that issue with voters. But Klein and Thompson also have a deeper diagnosis: American innovation systems are broken. Risk aversion in funding the sciences, high administrative burdens and the pressure of scientific discoveries needing to be converted into mass production, are what hold us back. Now, as scarcity politics grips Congress, Democrats can seize the opportunity to do more than defend science—they can champion it. By making the case for a bolder, federally-backed innovation agenda, they can show voters how public investment has always been the engine behind America's greatest breakthroughs. What has been referred to as a stagnating of the U.S. innovation ecosystem, and the "undermining of science in America," should be leveraged by Democrats to promise voters not just greatness, but more. As a guest on Andrew Schutlz's Flagrant podcast, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg outlined how federally funded projects have led to monumental ideas later transformed into usable reality, including the internet itself. Still, the challenge Democrats face is significant. These sorts of projects are costly, and they don't come with any certainty, but that's the point. Unlike the private industry, profit isn't the motivating factor behind our exploration of the unknown. Helping voters see the long-term value of such investments will undoubtedly take work. But we've done it before. In May 1961, President John F. Kennedy promised America the Moon. The endeavor would demand "a major national commitment of scientific and technical manpower, material and facilities ... where they are already thinly spread," Kennedy said. And then, it happened. Beyond international prestige and the assurance of democracy's strength over communism, the Apollo program seeded "spin-off" technologies that reshaped everyday life. Just as important, it proved what government can accomplish when it channels its full capacity toward shared purpose. Even after Apollo, NASA had what was referred to as an "aggressive plan" that would continue to position the U.S. as a leader in the exploration and development of the space frontier. That vision was later shelved, a casualty of budget cuts and shifting political winds. Still, the principle remains: science moves when government moves with it. We saw this again with Operation Warp Speed, where President Donald Trump's Department of Health and Human Services and Defense used a "whole-of-America" approach to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to the masses, and quickly. But this spirit is fading. Republicans have seemingly turned their back on the idea of science as a public good. In response to the president's proposed cuts to NASA Science, every prior associate administrator of Science signed onto a joint letter to the House Appropriations Committee warning of the potential reduction of funds. As Congress grapples with what funds to provide NASA in this new fiscal year, Democrats should ask themselves: can we be the party that reclaims science as a shared American project? Can we speak to voters' appetite for ambition? A promise to pursue abundance—in space, in science, in national purpose—may be the boldest and most unifying offer Democrats can make. Trump has promised voters a path of greatness, but he's steering our science agencies dangerously off course. It's high time for Democrats to chart a better one. Riley L. Roberts is a writer, speechwriter, and strategist whose work spans politics, business, sports, and culture. As a ghostwriter and collaborator, he has authored or contributed to more than a dozen books, shaped widely published op-eds and essays—from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal to TIME, VOGUE, and The Atlantic, among other outlets—and crafted speeches delivered at the White House, the U.N., foreign parliaments, TED conferences, and beyond. Matthew Beddingfield is a whistleblower attorney based in Washington, D.C., and is currently writing a book on the Apollo 1 fire that occurred in January 1967. He previously worked as a legal reporter for Bloomberg. The views expressed in this article are the writers' own.
CNN
3 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
Start your week smart: NASA's future, Starvation in Gaza, Stabbing incident, Extreme heat risk, Swimming showdown
If you've been suffering through the high temperatures that have scorched much of the country this summer, you know the toll it can take on your body, leaving you dizzy, dehydrated and, in some severe cases, at risk of death. But there's another lesser-known impact of extreme heat — and it might surprise you. Here's what else you need to know to start your week smart. 🔦 Few US government agencies have navigated as much turmoil in recent months as NASA. With the impending loss of thousands of jobs looming, this week saw the release of a scathing letter from nearly 300 current and former NASA employees and the abrupt resignation of the director of the Goddard Space Flight Center. Scientists and agency workers criticized budget cuts, grant cancellations and a 'culture of organizational silence.' They also raised concerns about suggested changes to a system of safety checks and balances. President Donald Trump appointed US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as interim NASA administrator to replace Janet Petro, a longtime agency employee. That came after the nomination of tech billionaire Jared Isaacman to lead NASA was rescinded. Some scientists are criticizing the agency as the Trump administration tries to dismantle the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, one of the country's top climate labs. Employees are working remotely after their New York City office was shut down. Back in March, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after gaining international attention as their short trip to space stretched into a saga lasting more than nine months. It's an example of how quickly things can go sideways. Meanwhile, leaks have plagued the International Space Station. 📸 In photos: Astronaut Don Pettit captures unique views of the cosmos. Take a look. Blue Origin took a star-studded all-female crew — including singer Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King — to the 'edge of space' and back. The mission had its critics, but is this the future of spaceflight? Israel says it will open aid corridors as fury grows over starvation in Gaza A 'random' stabbing at a Michigan Walmart left 11 injured, officials say. Here's what we know so far Alabama toddler dies in hot car while in state custody GET '5 THINGS' IN YOUR INBOX If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. Looking for a way to beat the summer heat? July 28 is National Water Park Day, so grab your swimsuits and hit the water slide or tube down a lazy river! The International Monetary Fund will release its July 2025 World Economic Outlook Update. This publication provides analyses and projections of the global economy. In an update in April, the IMF said forecasts for global growth had been revised markedly down compared with its January update, reflecting effective tariff rates at levels not seen in a century. The Federal Reserve is set to conclude its fifth interest rate meeting since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, with policymakers expected to hold rates steady once again. The decision is likely to draw sharp criticism from Trump, who has repeatedly clashed with Fed Chair Jerome Powell over the bank's refusal to cut rates. Tension between the two was evident last week during a tour of the Fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation, a project the Trump administration has used to intensify pressure on Powell. 📹 Watch this awkward exchange between Powell and the president. The National Transportation Safety Board will begin a three-day public hearing to investigate the January 29 mid-air collision between a regional jet and an Army helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, DC, that killed 67 people. President Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs are set to go into effect on August 1 after a 90-day delay, impacting multiple countries, including Mexico, Canada and the European Union. If Trump's proposed duties of 30% do kick in, Americans could wind up paying more for everything from produce to medical equipment, electronics and alcohol. It's also the day we get the monthly jobs report for July. In this episode of the 'One Thing' podcast, CNN's David Rind speaks to science journalist Jane C. Hu about why Republicans are increasingly open to the purported healing properties of psychedelics. Listen here. Prev Next 📸 Check out more images curated by the CNN Photo team. The Tour de France, which began on July 5, wraps up today in Paris. After more than 2,000 miles of racing, riders will make their way down the Champs-Élysées to the finish line. (TK look for a London write) The World Aquatics Championships kick off today in Singapore, and all eyes will be on the high-stakes showdown between swimming legend Katie Ledecky and Canadian phenom Summer McIntosh. Ledecky, 28, boasts nine Olympic golds and 21 world titles, while 18-year-old McIntosh arrives with four Olympic medals and three world records set just last month. 📹 Hear how Ledecky is preparing to face her fiercest challenger yet. And the World Dog Surfing Championships are Saturday at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California. What began as the short-lived TV comedy series 'Police Squad!' in the early 1980s got a second life as 'The Naked Gun' series of movies starring Leslie Nielsen and George Kennedy. Now, more than 30 years after 1994's 'The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult,' a reboot starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson arrives on the big screen this Friday. Will it be riddled with moronic jokes, toilet humor and sight gags, just like its predecessors? Let's hope so! 🧠 Take CNN's weekly news quiz to see how much you remember from the week that was! So far, 5.4% of fellow quiz fans have gotten eight or more questions right. How will you fare? Heavy metal icon and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne passed away last week at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Prince of Darkness. (Click here to view) Today's edition of 5 Things Sunday was edited and produced by CNN's Tricia Escobedo.
CNN
4 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
Start your week smart: NASA's future, Starvation in Gaza, Stabbing incident, Extreme heat risk, Swimming showdown
5 Things Federal agencies Space programs The Middle EastFacebookTweetLink Follow If you've been suffering through the high temperatures that have scorched much of the country this summer, you know the toll it can take on your body, leaving you dizzy, dehydrated and, in some severe cases, at risk of death. But there's another lesser-known impact of extreme heat — and it might surprise you. Here's what else you need to know to start your week smart. 🔦 Few US government agencies have navigated as much turmoil in recent months as NASA. With the impending loss of thousands of jobs looming, this week saw the release of a scathing letter from nearly 300 current and former NASA employees and the abrupt resignation of the director of the Goddard Space Flight Center. Scientists and agency workers criticized budget cuts, grant cancellations and a 'culture of organizational silence.' They also raised concerns about suggested changes to a system of safety checks and balances. President Donald Trump appointed US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as interim NASA administrator to replace Janet Petro, a longtime agency employee. That came after the nomination of tech billionaire Jared Isaacman to lead NASA was rescinded. Some scientists are criticizing the agency as the Trump administration tries to dismantle the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, one of the country's top climate labs. Employees are working remotely after their New York City office was shut down. Back in March, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after gaining international attention as their short trip to space stretched into a saga lasting more than nine months. It's an example of how quickly things can go sideways. Meanwhile, leaks have plagued the International Space Station. 📸 In photos: Astronaut Don Pettit captures unique views of the cosmos. Take a look. Blue Origin took a star-studded all-female crew — including singer Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King — to the 'edge of space' and back. The mission had its critics, but is this the future of spaceflight? Israel says it will open aid corridors as fury grows over starvation in Gaza A 'random' stabbing at a Michigan Walmart left 11 injured, officials say. Here's what we know so far Alabama toddler dies in hot car while in state custody GET '5 THINGS' IN YOUR INBOX If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. Looking for a way to beat the summer heat? July 28 is National Water Park Day, so grab your swimsuits and hit the water slide or tube down a lazy river! The International Monetary Fund will release its July 2025 World Economic Outlook Update. This publication provides analyses and projections of the global economy. In an update in April, the IMF said forecasts for global growth had been revised markedly down compared with its January update, reflecting effective tariff rates at levels not seen in a century. The Federal Reserve is set to conclude its fifth interest rate meeting since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, with policymakers expected to hold rates steady once again. The decision is likely to draw sharp criticism from Trump, who has repeatedly clashed with Fed Chair Jerome Powell over the bank's refusal to cut rates. Tension between the two was evident last week during a tour of the Fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation, a project the Trump administration has used to intensify pressure on Powell. 📹 Watch this awkward exchange between Powell and the president. The National Transportation Safety Board will begin a three-day public hearing to investigate the January 29 mid-air collision between a regional jet and an Army helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, DC, that killed 67 people. President Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs are set to go into effect on August 1 after a 90-day delay, impacting multiple countries, including Mexico, Canada and the European Union. If Trump's proposed duties of 30% do kick in, Americans could wind up paying more for everything from produce to medical equipment, electronics and alcohol. It's also the day we get the monthly jobs report for July. In this episode of the 'One Thing' podcast, CNN's David Rind speaks to science journalist Jane C. Hu about why Republicans are increasingly open to the purported healing properties of psychedelics. Listen here. Prev Next 📸 Check out more images curated by the CNN Photo team. The Tour de France, which began on July 5, wraps up today in Paris. After more than 2,000 miles of racing, riders will make their way down the Champs-Élysées to the finish line. (TK look for a London write) The World Aquatics Championships kick off today in Singapore, and all eyes will be on the high-stakes showdown between swimming legend Katie Ledecky and Canadian phenom Summer McIntosh. Ledecky, 28, boasts nine Olympic golds and 21 world titles, while 18-year-old McIntosh arrives with four Olympic medals and three world records set just last month. 📹 Hear how Ledecky is preparing to face her fiercest challenger yet. And the World Dog Surfing Championships are Saturday at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California. What began as the short-lived TV comedy series 'Police Squad!' in the early 1980s got a second life as 'The Naked Gun' series of movies starring Leslie Nielsen and George Kennedy. Now, more than 30 years after 1994's 'The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult,' a reboot starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson arrives on the big screen this Friday. Will it be riddled with moronic jokes, toilet humor and sight gags, just like its predecessors? Let's hope so! 🧠 Take CNN's weekly news quiz to see how much you remember from the week that was! So far, 5.4% of fellow quiz fans have gotten eight or more questions right. How will you fare? Heavy metal icon and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne passed away last week at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Prince of Darkness. (Click here to view) Today's edition of 5 Things Sunday was edited and produced by CNN's Tricia Escobedo.
CNN
4 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
Start your week smart: NASA's future, Starvation in Gaza, Stabbing incident, Extreme heat risk, Swimming showdown
If you've been suffering through the high temperatures that have scorched much of the country this summer, you know the toll it can take on your body, leaving you dizzy, dehydrated and, in some severe cases, at risk of death. But there's another lesser-known impact of extreme heat — and it might surprise you. Here's what else you need to know to start your week smart. 🔦 Few US government agencies have navigated as much turmoil in recent months as NASA. With the impending loss of thousands of jobs looming, this week saw the release of a scathing letter from nearly 300 current and former NASA employees and the abrupt resignation of the director of the Goddard Space Flight Center. Scientists and agency workers criticized budget cuts, grant cancellations and a 'culture of organizational silence.' They also raised concerns about suggested changes to a system of safety checks and balances. President Donald Trump appointed US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as interim NASA administrator to replace Janet Petro, a longtime agency employee. That came after the nomination of tech billionaire Jared Isaacman to lead NASA was rescinded. Some scientists are criticizing the agency as the Trump administration tries to dismantle the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, one of the country's top climate labs. Employees are working remotely after their New York City office was shut down. Back in March, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after gaining international attention as their short trip to space stretched into a saga lasting more than nine months. It's an example of how quickly things can go sideways. Meanwhile, leaks have plagued the International Space Station. 📸 In photos: Astronaut Don Pettit captures unique views of the cosmos. Take a look. Blue Origin took a star-studded all-female crew — including singer Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King — to the 'edge of space' and back. The mission had its critics, but is this the future of spaceflight? Israel says it will open aid corridors as fury grows over starvation in Gaza A 'random' stabbing at a Michigan Walmart left 11 injured, officials say. Here's what we know so far Alabama toddler dies in hot car while in state custody GET '5 THINGS' IN YOUR INBOX If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. Looking for a way to beat the summer heat? July 28 is National Water Park Day, so grab your swimsuits and hit the water slide or tube down a lazy river! The International Monetary Fund will release its July 2025 World Economic Outlook Update. This publication provides analyses and projections of the global economy. In an update in April, the IMF said forecasts for global growth had been revised markedly down compared with its January update, reflecting effective tariff rates at levels not seen in a century. The Federal Reserve is set to conclude its fifth interest rate meeting since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, with policymakers expected to hold rates steady once again. The decision is likely to draw sharp criticism from Trump, who has repeatedly clashed with Fed Chair Jerome Powell over the bank's refusal to cut rates. Tension between the two was evident last week during a tour of the Fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation, a project the Trump administration has used to intensify pressure on Powell. 📹 Watch this awkward exchange between Powell and the president. The National Transportation Safety Board will begin a three-day public hearing to investigate the January 29 mid-air collision between a regional jet and an Army helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, DC, that killed 67 people. President Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs are set to go into effect on August 1 after a 90-day delay, impacting multiple countries, including Mexico, Canada and the European Union. If Trump's proposed duties of 30% do kick in, Americans could wind up paying more for everything from produce to medical equipment, electronics and alcohol. It's also the day we get the monthly jobs report for July. In this episode of the 'One Thing' podcast, CNN's David Rind speaks to science journalist Jane C. Hu about why Republicans are increasingly open to the purported healing properties of psychedelics. Listen here. Prev Next 📸 Check out more images curated by the CNN Photo team. The Tour de France, which began on July 5, wraps up today in Paris. After more than 2,000 miles of racing, riders will make their way down the Champs-Élysées to the finish line. (TK look for a London write) The World Aquatics Championships kick off today in Singapore, and all eyes will be on the high-stakes showdown between swimming legend Katie Ledecky and Canadian phenom Summer McIntosh. Ledecky, 28, boasts nine Olympic golds and 21 world titles, while 18-year-old McIntosh arrives with four Olympic medals and three world records set just last month. 📹 Hear how Ledecky is preparing to face her fiercest challenger yet. And the World Dog Surfing Championships are Saturday at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California. What began as the short-lived TV comedy series 'Police Squad!' in the early 1980s got a second life as 'The Naked Gun' series of movies starring Leslie Nielsen and George Kennedy. Now, more than 30 years after 1994's 'The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult,' a reboot starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson arrives on the big screen this Friday. Will it be riddled with moronic jokes, toilet humor and sight gags, just like its predecessors? Let's hope so! 🧠 Take CNN's weekly news quiz to see how much you remember from the week that was! So far, 5.4% of fellow quiz fans have gotten eight or more questions right. How will you fare? Heavy metal icon and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne passed away last week at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Prince of Darkness. (Click here to view) Today's edition of 5 Things Sunday was edited and produced by CNN's Tricia Escobedo.
The Hill
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
NASA slashing over 20 percent of workforce
NASA is slashing nearly more than 20 percent of its workforce as part of President Trump's efforts to downsize the federal government since returning to the White House. Nearly 4,000 workers have requested to depart the space agency through two rounds of the deferred resignation program. The deadline for the program was Friday at midnight. In the first round, about 870 employees have applied to leave and approximately another 3,000 workers did so in the second round — downsizing the workforce from 18,000 to around 14,000 people, NASA told The Hill's sister network NewsNation. The agency said the total number also includes the 500 workers who were lost due to normal attrition. 'Safety remains a top priority for our agency as we balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organization and work to ensure we remain fully capable of pursuing a Golden Era of exploration and innovation, including to the Moon and Mars,' a NASA spokesperson said in a statement. A budget proposal from the White House, released in May, would reduce NASA's overall budget by 24 percent. The topline number would drop from $24 billion to $18 billion. Over 360 NASA employees sent a letter to their employer earlier this month, urging them not to make deep cuts, warning it will have 'dire' consequences. 'We are compelled to speak up when our leadership prioritizes political momentum over human safety, scientific advancement, and efficient use of public resources,' the workers wrote. 'These cuts are arbitrary and have been enacted in defiance of congressional appropriations law.' The deferred resignation program was instituted throughout the federal government by Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to help slash the size of the federal workforce and cut down on costs, waste, fraud and abuse. NASA also experienced turbulence earlier this year as the president's first pick for the agency's administrator, tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, was pulled in late May, days before he was set for a confirmation vote. Shortly after, Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk — who was the chief adviser for DOGE before he departed the White House — had a public falling out. Trump later tapped Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to be the interim NASA administrator, saying earlier this month that the former Wisconsin lawmaker is doing a 'TREMENDOUS job in handling our Country's Transportation Affairs, including creating a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control systems, while at the same time rebuilding our roads and bridges, making them efficient, and beautiful, again.'
