The resignation wave is closely tied to budget pressures. The White House has proposed cutting NASA’s fiscal year 2026 budget by nearly half, down from $7.33 billion. This proposed reduction is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to cut down on government spending and streamline federal operations.

"I was surprised to learn that he was a blue-blooded Democrat, who had never contributed to a Republican before."

President Trump appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to serve as the acting head of NASA, filling a leadership gap after withdrawing his original nominee for the role. Announcing the decision on Truth Social Wednesday evening,