Trump tells Musk to bring back two astronauts 'stranded' on space station

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore | Photo: NASA

President Donald Trump has called on SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to bring back two NASA astronauts who have been on the International Space Station (ISS) for nearly eight months due to technical issues with their Boeing-built Starliner spacecraft. 

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were originally scheduled to return after an eight-day mission, but their return has been delayed since June 2024 due to a helium leak and engine malfunctions in the Starliner capsule.

Trump announced on his Truth Social platform, saying:

"SpaceX will soon begin a mission to bring back two American astronauts stranded for months on the International Space Station. Elon will take care of it soon. Hoping for a safe return. Good luck, Elon!!!"

Elon Musk also confirmed Trump's request, blaming the previous administration for leaving the astronauts in space for so long.

"President Trump has asked me to bring back the two Boeing Starliner astronauts as soon as possible. They have been stuck in space since June 2024. The Biden administration abandoned them. It’s outrageous!"

However, NASA has refuted claims that the astronauts are "stranded." The space agency assured that Williams and Wilmore are safe and continuing their work aboard the ISS. NASA also stated that SpaceX's Crew-9 mission is already being prepared to bring them back.