“We don’t confirm Schumer donors in this administration,” said a source close to the Trump team — referencing the quiet but decisive move to pull billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman from consideration as the head of NASA under the second Trump Administration.
Our source requested anonymity to speak candidly about personnel decisions within the administration.
Isaacman — a close ally of Elon Musk, SpaceX collaborator, private astronaut, and founder of Shift4 — was under serious consideration for a high-level appointment. But his name was withdrawn after campaign finance records revealed over $200,000 in donations to prominent Democratic politicians, committees, and super PACs.
The donations, all made in recent election cycles, include contributions to some of the most powerful Democrat operatives and institutions:
Jared Isaacman’s Political Donations (2021–2024):
- $100,000 to Senate Majority PAC (10/28/2021) — aligned with Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
- $50,000 to Josh Shapiro for Governor (3/2/2022)
- $10,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (3/29/2022)
- $10,000 to the Democratic Party of Pennsylvania (7/22/2024)
- $10,000 to the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee (8/1/2024)
- $2,500 to George Whitesides for Congress (6/28/2022)
- $2,500 to George Whitesides for Congress (11/8/2022)
- $1,000 to Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA)
- $500 to Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)
- $5,000 to Keystone America PAC (Democrat-aligned PA PAC)
- $5,000 to Mitten PAC (Democrat-aligned MI PAC)
Notably absent from Isaacman’s financial history: any donations to President Donald Trump, his campaign, or any Trump-aligned political action committee.
A source familiar with the administration’s personnel strategy said this donation history raised immediate concerns.
“It’s not just about ideology. It’s about loyalty,” the source said. “This is self-explanatory. The President was burned by so many others in his first administration- individuals that really tried to take down this country. That is not to say that the decision to reject Isaacman means that he had nefarious intentions- they are not implying that. But they just have to be extra careful.”
“So to re-itterate…we are not bringing in major donors to Chuck Schumer and Josh Shapiro — period.”
Isaacman, who led SpaceX’s Inspiration4 and its Polaris Dawn missions, is widely seen as a top private-sector collaborator with Elon Musk in the space economy. The two men share a close working relationship, with Musk praising Isaacman publicly on multiple occasions and Isaacman being one of the highest-profile civilian astronauts in Musk’s SpaceX orbit.
Some Insiders Speculate This Be What Set Elon Musk Off.
In recent days, Elon Musk has grown increasingly vocal and critical of unnamed advisers and operatives in Trump’s orbit. The timing has raised questions — and speculation is mounting.
“This seems something that could have possibly set Elon off,” said one GOP strategist. “That is understandable- he is close to Isaacman. I am not saying this was the only thing, but I speculate it could be a factor.
Isaacman’s space ventures represent one of Musk’s most ambitious civilian collaborations, and the withdrawal of his nomination to head NASA — is seen by some as a personal slight to the billionaire tech mogul.
The Trump administration continues to vet a number of candidates for high-level roles to fill the ongoing administration. According to the source, “many are being confirmed in the coming month,” but loyalty and past political support are important criteria.
President Donald Trump officially withdrew Jared Isaacman’s nomination to lead NASA on May 31, 2025. The announcement came just days before the Senate was scheduled to vote on Isaacman’s confirmation, which had already advanced with bipartisan support. Following the withdrawal, Trump indicated that a new nominee aligned with his “America First” space policy would be announced soon. Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast has been mentioned as a potential replacement.
Isaacman’s donations, all on record with the Federal Election Commission and compiled by OpenSecrets.org, leave little doubt about his political leanings in recent cycles.
The takeaway from the Trump team, according to insiders: if you back Chuck Schumer with six-figure donations, don’t expect to be appointed in a Trump administration.
In the end God wins.
The post “We Don’t Confirm Schumer Donors”: Musk Ally Jared Isaacman’s Democrat Donations Torpedoed NASA Appointment, Sparking Speculation Over Elon’s Angst appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.