The Political Scene | The New Yorker
Will Trump’s Obsession with Space Save NASA?
Mar 26, 2025
David W. Brown, an insightful writer on NASA and the space industry, joins Tyler Foggatt for a captivating discussion. They dive into Elon Musk's mounting influence on NASA and the agency's evolving relationship with SpaceX. Brown addresses Trump's space ambitions and whether they can shield NASA from budget cuts. The duo highlights the political intricacies affecting space exploration, contrasting Trump and Obama’s visions, and examines the critical interdependence of NASA and SpaceX amidst shifting political landscapes.
28:55
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights NASA's precarious funding and job security during Trump's presidency, emphasizing their essential role amidst political and budgetary challenges.
- It discusses the complex relationship between NASA and SpaceX, raising concerns about the influence of commercial interests on public space policy and research integrity.
Deep dives
Impact of Trump's Administration on NASA
The election of Donald Trump initiated a wave of concern among NASA employees regarding job security and agency stability. Initially, there was cautious optimism based on Trump's past support for space initiatives, but this soon gave way to unease as drastic governing changes became evident. The implementation of a reduction in force order raised alarms, yet NASA managed to retain employees due to their operational demands. This revealed the agency's essential role in maintaining its workforce in light of a shifting political landscape.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
