Lehigh Valley tech billionaire Jared Isaacman has issued his first statement after President Donald Trump announced he was withdrawing his nomination to lead NASA.
Trump made the announcement late Saturday night, saying he reached the decision after a "thorough review" of Isaacman's "prior associations." It was unclear what Trump meant and the White House did not immediately respond to an emailed request for an explanation.
Shortly after Trump's announcement, Isaacman took to X and issued his own statement. In it, he thanked Trump for the opportunity and stayed upbeat.
Isaacman, 42, who lives in Northampton County with his family, has been a close collaborator with Elon Musk ever since buying his first chartered flight on Musk's SpaceX company in 2021.
He is the CEO and founder of Upper Saucon Township-based Shift4, a credit card processing company. He also bought a series of spaceflights from SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk.
Read the full text of Isaacman's post on X below:
"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 weight our political leaders carry.
"It may not always be obvious through the discourse and turbulence, but there are many competent, dedicated people who love this country and care deeply about the mission. That was on full display during my hearing, where leaders on both sides of the aisle made clear they're willing to fight for the world's most accomplished space agency.
"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.
"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. I'll always be grateful for this opportunity and cheering on our President and NASA as they lead us on the greatest adventure in human history."