WASHINGTON D.C. - President Donald Trump hosted the astronauts of the Artemis II mission at the White House on Wednesday, lavishing praise on their historic journey around the moon. The gathering, which included Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, saw Trump describe the crew as possessing "unbelievable courage" and their mission as having "captivated the attention of the whole world."
The president's public celebration of the Artemis II crew's lunar flyby, however, occurs against a backdrop of proposed significant cuts to NASA's education, research, and diversity programs, while simultaneously advocating for increased funding for space exploration.
Trump's administration has put forth proposals that could terminate programs aimed at training future scientists and astronauts, including NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project, which has funded grants to historically Black colleges and universities. This initiative was designed to foster a more diverse workforce within NASA.
Read More: SpaceX and California Coastal Commission Settle Permit Dispute
The meeting in the Oval Office, which included NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, featured the astronauts standing behind Trump. Reporters present noted that the press conference, lasting approximately 20-25 minutes, saw no questions directed at the astronauts about their mission. Instead, discussions, amplified by the president's team calling out the media for perceived inaction, veered towards other topics.
"We have some people that have captivated the attention of the whole world, not just our country, the whole world, and they’re very brave, and that was a lot of rocket under them."
Questions posed to Trump during the event touched upon subjects including UFOs, a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. Putin was cited as having offered assistance regarding Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, an offer Trump contrasted with a preference for Russian involvement in ending the war in Ukraine. Trump also commented on the United Arab Emirates' potential exit from OPEC, framing it as positive for reducing gas prices.
Read More: Trump Says He's Most Powerful Person Ever
The Artemis II mission, which concluded with a splashdown off the coast of San Diego on April 10, marked a significant milestone, with the Orion capsule, named Integrity, traveling around the far side of the moon. Trump had reportedly spoken with the crew during their flight home, extending the invitation to the White House. The administration has indicated plans for further Artemis missions, aiming for a return to the lunar surface and the establishment of a lunar base.
Trump has previously expressed a strong interest in expanding American space capabilities, having set a vision for the moon, Mars, and beyond during his first term. He has also publicly taken credit for improving NASA's standing, which he described as having been in a "regrettable state."
Interestingly, the presidential meeting occurred on the same day the Supreme Court issued a decision significantly impacting the Voting Rights Act. Trump stated he was unaware of the ruling at the time, attributing his focus to spending time with the astronauts. His remarks also included commentary on states potentially redrawing electoral maps in light of the court's decision.
A reporter did ask Trump if astronauts would walk on the moon during his current term. The president also addressed a reporter's question to Isaacman regarding the potential relocation of NASA Headquarters from Washington D.C.
