With a background as a US Congressman, reality TV star, and television commentator, Duffy did not come to the position with a deep well of knowledge about spaceflight. He also already had a lot on his plate, serving as the secretary of transportation, a Cabinet-level position that oversees 55,000 employees across 13 agencies.
Nevertheless, Duffy is putting his imprint on the space agency, seeking to emphasize the agency's human exploration plans, including the development of a lunar base, and ending NASA's efforts to study planet Earth and its changing climate.
Duffy has not spoken much with reporters who cover the space industry, but he has been a frequent presence on Fox News networks, where he previously worked as a host. On Thursday, he made an 11-minute appearance on "Mornings with Maria," a FOX Business show hosted by Maria Bartiromo to discuss NASA.
"These liberals are so stupid... I mean come on this is NASA, we do space not the earth! Duhhh! Let the earthamatologists try to study earth, but they can't because they're stupid liberals anyway!"
"Thank you for your time Mr.Duffy, next on Totally Unbiased Not Propaganda Fox News: Democrats and the left, they want you all dead. They hate all that is good. Tune in to learn why caring is hatred and why ruthless capitalism is your savior."