Exploring Trump’s Space Agenda: Key Players and Ambitions for a Second Term

Today marked President Donald Trump’s swearing-in. His initial term saw numerous space-oriented initiatives, including launching the Artemis Accords and establishing the Space Force. Following his election in November, journalists from SpaceNews have been examining what can be anticipated during a potential second term. 

Here’s our overview regarding the space agenda of a second Trump administration.

KEY INDIVIDUALS

Elon Musk. It’s difficult to begin elsewhere. Musk will co-lead a committee named the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at eliminating wasteful expenditures, prompting speculation about what Musk, whose companies have received billions in government funding, will opt to cut. “Elon’s passion for a smaller government surpasses his interest in space design,” stated Greg Autry, who participated in the NASA transition team during Trump’s first term. Some individuals, including Jeff Bezos, have expressed skepticism regarding Musk leveraging his new role to disadvantage rival firms. 

Jared Isaacman. Trump has chosen Isaacman as the NASA administrator. Isaacman is primarily recognized as a businessman and commercial astronaut who has flown on SpaceX missions twice. 

Troy Meink. Trump has appointed Meink as Secretary of the Air Force, which supervises the Space Force as well. Meink holds the position of principal deputy director at the National Reconnaissance Office, the intelligence agency responsible for satellite acquisitions. Matthew Lohmeier, a former commander of the Space Force who lost his position due to public critiques of military diversity efforts, is Trump’s choice for undersecretary of the Air Force. Additionally, former Representative Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), who was a staunch advocate for enhancing U.S. space capabilities and promoted the space sector, especially in Florida, has been appointed as Trump’s national security adviser.

ANTICIPATED TRENDS

• In Europe, authorities have been worried that an “America first” strategy endorsed by Trump during his campaign may undermine collaboration with Europe in both civil and military space.

• Robust backing for space weather. “We anticipate continued robust bipartisan support for activities related to space weather,” commented Chris Cannizzaro, the head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency’s Space Systems and Services division. However, space weather specialists expect some modifications. The second Trump administration is expected to redirect national space weather efforts towards issuing timely notifications to the Defense Department and enhancing the robustness of military systems.

WATCH

SpaceNews hosted a webinar discussing what to expect during the upcoming administration. Esteemed panelists included Lori Garver, Courtney Stadd, and Michelle Hanlon. 

OPINIONS

Naturally, many individuals in the space sector possess insights on what the Trump administration should – and should not – prioritize in the ensuing four years. 

Kam Ghaffarian asserted that the next administration ought to consider private space stations as a counter to China.

Chris Carberry proposed that it’s time for a discussion on whether SLS and Orion should remain a long-term component of our deep space exploration fleet. “As Starship, New Glenn, and other systems become operational, they may be better aligned with our ambitious objectives. Yet, we have not yet reached that milestone,” he stated.

Peter Juul cautioned against NASA evolving into “a mere contracting agency.”

Furthermore, Audrey Schaffer encouraged the Trump administration to sustain and adequately support the National Space Council, to prevent space priorities from being neglected.

READ MORE

Explore the January 2025 edition of SpaceNews magazine, where our journalists delved further into these issues. Featured articles include: 

• An analysis of Isaacman’s background
• The implications of tariffs on the space sector
• Why firms dealing with space weather data foresee unprecedented opportunities
• A new generation of military contractors pursuing space contracts

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