The second Trump administration has started with a series of rapid changes to how the federal government operates. Here’s what the president introduced in the last week and what it could mean for the space community.
Dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
The news: President Donald Trump issued two executive orders — EO 14151 and EO 14173 — shortly after his inauguration, directing federal agencies to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and terminate diversity-focused hiring programs. In response, NASA began shutting down its Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (ODEO) and similar offices at its field centers. Reports also indicate that NASA staff were instructed to remove references to diversity from agency websites. Additionally, NASA sent memos to its scientific advisory groups ordering them to pause all meetings and activities while the agency reviewed its compliance with these new directives. The immediate effect was the cancellation of the Mercury Exploration Assessment Group’s (MExAG) first in-person meeting, with other groups, such as the Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG), putting events on hold. Historical diversity-related content also was removed from NASA’s website.
Why it matters to the space community: These executive orders could have a lasting impact on NASA’s workforce and research priorities. DEI programs at NASA were designed to broaden access to STEM fields. Advocates for such policies say their removal risks limiting opportunities for underrepresented groups. The advisory groups had planned to cover mission planning and scientific collaboration as well as key research discussions related to missions like ESA/JAXA’s BepiColombo Mercury mission.
What’s next: Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Science Committee, has formally requested that NASA and other science agencies provide detailed accounts of how they are implementing the executive orders, including information on office closures, staff placed on administrative leave and website changes. NASA has until Feb. 14 to respond. Meanwhile, scientific advisory groups are waiting for further guidance on whether their activities can resume. If no direction is provided by Feb. 7, OPAG and other groups may cancel upcoming meetings entirely.
Returning astronauts from the ISS
The news: Trump publicly called on SpaceX to immediately return two NASA astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, from the International Space Station (ISS), claiming they had been “virtually abandoned.” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said the company would comply. However, NASA quickly clarified that its existing plan already aimed to return the Crew-9 astronauts in early April after the Crew-10 mission arrives, ensuring proper ISS staffing and operations.
Why it matters to the space community: The ISS relies on carefully planned crew rotations to maintain functionality. Rushing Crew-9’s return without a replacement could leave the ISS understaffed, limiting scientific research and routine maintenance. Additionally, Crew-10’s launch has already faced delays due to spacecraft readiness concerns, and accelerating its timeline could introduce safety risks.
What’s next: NASA remains committed to its original schedule, with Crew-10 launching in late March and Crew-9 returning in early April. However, ongoing Crew Dragon readiness issues could delay Crew-10 further, potentially requiring NASA to use a different Dragon capsule intended for Axiom Space’s private astronaut mission.
Placing a 25% tariff on Canadian imports
The news: Trump delayed a planned 25% tariff on most Canadian imports by at least 30 days, prompting Ontario Premier Doug Ford to pause his own retaliatory measures, including a threat to cancel a $68 million Starlink contract for rural broadband. Ford also lifted a proposed ban on U.S. companies bidding for provincial contracts. The move followed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s pledge to combat organized crime and fentanyl trafficking — issues Trump linked to the tariffs.
Why it matters to the space community: Ontario’s decision to hold off on canceling the Starlink contract preserves a key broadband initiative aimed at providing internet access to 15,000 underserved homes and businesses. However, the broader trade dispute raises concerns about potential supply chain disruptions for the U.S. space industry. If Trump reinstates tariffs, U.S. companies relying on Canadian and EU suppliers for satellite manufacturing and launch operations could face increased costs and delays.
What’s next: For now, Starlink’s contract remains intact, but its fate depends on how U.S.-Canada trade talks unfold in the coming weeks. If tariffs return, Ontario could reinstate its ban on U.S. firms in provincial contracts. Meanwhile, satellite operators like Telesat and OneWeb may seek new Canadian government contracts as alternatives to Starlink.
