In a surprising turn of events, Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation and acting NASA administrator, declared on CNBC that SpaceX is lagging in its mission to return Americans to the moon under the Artemis program. This bold statement has sparked a heated response from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
While Duffy acknowledged SpaceX’s contract for the Human Landing System (HLS), he noted that NASA would consider opening the project to other competitors, such as Blue Origin, founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos. Duffy stated, “SpaceX had the contract for Artemis 3. The problem is they’re behind. They push their timelines out, and we’re in a race against China. The president and I want to get to the Moon in this president’s term.”
Musk wasted no time in addressing Duffy’s comments via a post on X, countering with, “Blue Origin has never delivered a payload to orbit, let alone the Moon.” Though Musk’s assertion was challenged by his followers—who pointed out that Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket successfully delivered a test payload—he quickly followed up, altering his stance to focus on “useful payload.”
Yet, the tension didn’t end there. Musk took to social media again later that night, cheekily asking, “Also, one question,” alongside a meme GIF that read “why are you gae.” This meme is rooted in a 2012 Ugandan TV segment that went viral, but Musk’s use of it appeared to carry an underlying tone of homophobia, which did not sit well with many observers.
Also, one question pic.twitter.com/DhpuWoOTPt
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 21, 2025
Musk’s antics didn’t go unnoticed. His followers shared memes poking fun at Duffy, leading Musk to react with a crying-laughing emoji. He even went so far as to create a poll questioning whether someone notable for tree climbing should lead America’s space program.
In another cheeky exchange, Musk referred to Duffy as “Sean Dummy.” He tweeted, “The person responsible for America’s space program can’t have a 2-digit IQ.” This feud hints at deeper issues, particularly since Duffy’s ascent in NASA comes after the controversial withdrawal of Jared Isaacman, a Musk ally, from a key position in the agency.
The tensions escalate further as Duffy appears to harbor his own ambitions for NASA. Reports suggest he wishes to bring NASA under the umbrella of the Department of Transportation, a plan that could shift the agency’s direction significantly. An unnamed NASA spokesperson even commented that “NASA might benefit from being part of the Cabinet,” fueling speculation about Duffy’s intentions.
Unlike traditional government power struggles, this public display on social media offers an unprecedented glimpse into the dynamics at play. Musk’s adept use of Twitter makes it seem like a teenager tossing insults in a playground, highlighting the very personal nature of these conflicts.
What is going on between Musk and NASA’s acting administrator Sean Duffy? What are the implications of this feud for the space industry? It’s essential to consider the ramifications of such public disputes at the highest levels of government and private industry.
Is Blue Origin a serious competitor to SpaceX in the moon mission? While SpaceX has dominated recent headlines for its ambitious projects, Blue Origin is making strides of its own and cannot be dismissed as a competitor.
How is social media impacting public perceptions of government agencies like NASA? As seen in this ongoing feud, social platforms can amplify tensions and shape narratives in real time, altering how the public perceives both individuals and organizations.
What’s next for the Artemis program amid all this chaos? Duffy and Musk’s sparring may influence timelines and funding as NASA navigates the complex landscape of space exploration.
In conclusion, the unfolding drama between Musk and Duffy underscores the high-stakes nature of the race to the moon. Keep an eye on these developments, as they shape the future of space exploration and the role of private companies in this exciting frontier. For more insights on industry dynamics and emerging trends, make sure to explore related topics on Moyens I/O.