Elon Musk calls acting NASA chief ‘Sean Dummy’ as SpaceX moon contract hangs in the balance

Elon Musk launched a series of personal attacks against Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, calling him “Sean Dummy” and questioning his intelligence after Duffy suggested opening SpaceX’s $2.9 billion moon contract to competitors.

The SpaceX CEO’s outburst came in response to Duffy’s comments that SpaceX is lagging behind schedule on NASA’s Artemis III mission, which aims to return humans to the moon by 2027 amid growing competition with China.

Musk’s Social Media Tirade

On Tuesday, Musk took to his X platform to mock Duffy’s background as a world champion lumberjack speed climber. “Should someone whose biggest claim to fame is climbing trees be running America’s space program?” Musk posted, pinning the insult to his profile.

Musk accused Duffy of having a “2 digit IQ” and shared memes targeting the transportation secretary. He also reposted criticisms of Duffy while highlighting SpaceX’s achievements as “the only company to successfully human-certify a new orbital space vehicle in the US.”

Contract Competition Threat

Duffy’s controversial remarks came during CNBC and Fox News interviews on Monday, where he expressed concerns about SpaceX’s progress. “They do remarkable things, but they’re behind schedule,” Duffy stated.

He announced plans to “open up the contract” and “let other space companies compete with SpaceX” for the lunar lander program essential to NASA’s moon mission.

NASA Leadership Battle

The conflict emerges amid reports that Musk ally Jared Isaacman may be back in consideration for NASA administrator. Isaacman, who has flown twice on SpaceX missions he commissioned, had his nomination withdrawn earlier this year during the same week Musk left Washington.

While Trump cited Isaacman’s “prior associations” for the withdrawal, sources indicated opposition grew within Trump’s inner circle after Musk’s departure and subsequent falling out with the President.

Musk amplified the leadership drama, posting “Sean Dummy is trying to kill NASA!” and sharing praise for Isaacman.

Official Responses

Isaacman told CNN he has “never expressed confidence about renomination at any point” and maintains “a lot of respect for Secretary Duffy.”

He added: “I’m grateful to all the supporters and to President Trump for the consideration, and most of all, I just wish to see NASA continue to shine as the world’s most accomplished space agency.”

Duffy’s spokesperson clarified that the secretary “never said he wants to keep the NASA job himself” and has only suggested NASA “might benefit from being part of the Cabinet, maybe even within the Department of Transportation.”

The spokesperson emphasized Duffy is “here to serve the President” and will support whomever Trump nominates for the permanent NASA leadership position.