Here’s what Trump had to say.
President Donald Trump recently voiced strong criticism of President Joe Biden’s handling of two American astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for nearly nine months. Trump made headlines when he declared, “We’re coming up to get you,” in reference to the astronauts’ prolonged mission, hinting at the possibility of a SpaceX mission being launched to bring them back to Earth.
During a meeting with reporters, Trump, 78, did not mince words in criticizing the Biden administration’s lack of urgency in addressing the situation. He blasted Biden for allowing the astronauts to remain in space for such an extended period, stating, “Biden left them up there.” Trump suggested that the astronauts’ extended stay, which was meant to last only eight days, has turned into an ordeal that could have been avoided. He recounted a conversation with Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, asking Musk to step in and rescue the astronauts. According to Trump, Musk confirmed that he is preparing a SpaceX capsule to bring them home in the next two weeks.
In an exchange with Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy, Trump emphasized that he would have handled the situation differently if he were still president. “If you’re embarrassed, you’ve got to get them out,” Trump said. “I would have done whatever it takes to bring them back.” He even jokingly suggested the idea of personally joining the mission, potentially becoming the first president in space.
Trump expressed concern over the risks that the astronauts face, pointing out that space missions can be perilous, and waiting too long could lead to catastrophic consequences. He described the situation as a “danger” and reiterated the importance of acting swiftly to bring Wilmore and Williams home safely.
Despite Trump’s comments, both Wilmore and Williams have publicly denied feeling abandoned by the previous administration, with Wilmore telling CNN that they never felt “stuck” or “stranded.” However, it’s clear that many Americans share Trump’s concerns about the Biden administration’s handling of this critical issue. Whether or not SpaceX will come to the rescue, Trump’s remarks have certainly sparked a broader conversation about America’s leadership in space and the need for bold action when our astronauts are in harm’s way.
