By Seyit Kurt
ISTANBUL (AA) - SpaceX founder Elon Musk has stoked tensions amid an ongoing leadership struggle at the US space agency, sharply criticizing NASA’s acting administrator Sean Duffy, who also serves as US transportation secretary.
Posting on Tuesday on US social media company X – which Musk also owns – he referred to Duffy as “Sean ‘Dangerously Stupid’ Dummy,” adding: “The person responsible for America’s space program can’t have a 2 digit IQ.”
Musk’s remarks came after Duffy told an interviewer Monday that since SpaceX is facing delays developing its Starship lunar lander for NASA’s Artemis program, the agency is reconsidering its Moon landing strategy.
“They’re behind schedule, and so the president wants to make sure we beat the Chinese,” said Duffy. “So I’m in the process of opening that contract up. I think we’ll see companies like Blue (Origin) get involved, and maybe others.”
In an earlier statement, Musk dismissed concerns over delays, saying: “SpaceX is moving like lightning compared to the rest of the space industry … Moreover, Starship will end up doing the whole Moon mission. Mark my words.”
According to a report by Ars Technica, Duffy’s recent comments were viewed as an attempt to demonstrate loyalty to President Donald Trump and to strengthen his position within NASA.
Duffy was appointed acting administrator of NASA after former astronaut Jared Isaacman’s nomination for the position was withdrawn earlier this year. Isaacman has close ties to Musk, who was reportedly upset that his nomination was scuttled.
Sources familiar with the matter said that although Duffy has publicly described his role as temporary, he is reportedly seeking to make his leadership at NASA permanent.
Reports further indicate that Duffy has explored the possibility of placing NASA under the Transportation Department, a move that could allow him to retain influence over the space agency.
Musk has been Trump’s top campaign donor and a close advisor, though the two had a falling out over the summer.