Recent developments at NASA include the removal of a feature allowing employees to add pronouns to their email display names, a return-to-office mandate, and offers for buyouts and a deferred resignation program, part of efforts to downsize the federal workforce significantly. Sources familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, told CNN that many of these changes and shifting information are distracting from NASA’s primary goals.
One source mentioned to CNN the significant effort required to remove DEIA references from internal and external communications, as diversity and inclusion were core values established at NASA during the previous administration. The source noted that it was natural for employees to demonstrate inclusion as part of their job responsibilities.
The push to land the first woman and person of color on the moon with NASA’s Artemis III mission, set for mid-2027, began during President Donald Trump’s first term. The number of NASA personnel planning to accept buyouts or early retirement remains unclear, as legal proceedings on the program’s validity unfold.
Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest with Elon Musk, particularly due to his association with SpaceX, which holds lucrative contracts with NASA. Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Valerie Foushee penned a letter to NASA expressing worries about the risks posed by Musk and SpaceX to the agency’s integrity and security, given their extensive government contracts.
NASA responded that it had received the letter and would address the concerns directly with the members of Congress. The congresswomen have requested Petro to answer a series of questions by next week, including the potential impact of Musk and DOGE on NASA’s operations.
There have been attempts by DOGE personnel to access sensitive data. Petro, who previously served as the head of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center launch facilities in Florida, unexpectedly assumed the role of interim chief of the agency. Jim Free, the current associate administrator with a diverse background in various agency roles, was widely seen as the successor following the departure of Biden-era NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in January. Free was briefly listed as the acting administrator on the agency’s website. Petro is anticipated to lead the agency until a new administrator is confirmed by the Senate. Jared Isaacman, a billionaire tech CEO and Trump’s choice to lead NASA, has close connections to Musk and has participated in two SpaceX missions as a paying passenger. CNN’s Zachary Wolf contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters, you can sign up for an account at CNN.com.
