The Obama era hasn’t even started yet, and NASA Administrator Mike Griffin is already showing signs of reluctance. In the latest meeting between Griffin and Obama’s transition team, the NASA chief reportedly demanded to speak directly to Obama, considering his messenger, Lori Garver, former NASA associate administrator, is not “qualified” to make any assessments on the rocket program, the Sentinel reports.

Furthermore, it appears that Griffin has also refused to give away information on the moon program, and has banned employees and contractors from doing it as well. However, Chris Shrank, NASA’s Chied of Strategic Communications, denied rumors about frictions between the transition team and Griffin.

All in all, it wouldn’t be that hard to understand Griffin’s attitude, since a new administration could also mean a new NASA administrator. But that’s simply a rumor for now, and as Shrank said, NASA is working well with the transition team.

What Griffin appears to be asking from the transition team is to stop searching under the hood, and believe what he says is under the hood. On the other hand, asking questions is an inevitable process when a new administration prepares to take over.

Griffin responded to the report in Orlando Sentinel, saying the information is wrong: “I am appalled by any accusations of intimidation, and encourage a free and open exchange of information with the contractor community.”

Furthermore, Griffin said, the transition team’s work is too important to be hit by unsupported and anonymous rumors, and the President-elect’s transition team deserves everyone’s complete cooperation.