Elon Musk praises SpaceX for saving US astronauts who Trump said Biden 'abandoned' for months
SUMMARY
Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, commended the SpaceX and NASA teams for their exemplary efforts in safely returning astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to Earth after an extended nine-month stay on the International Space Station. Speaking on “Hannity,” Musk stated, “Thanks to the excellent work of the SpaceX team working with NASA, the astronauts are now safely home.” He also expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for prioritizing their swift return, noting, “A huge note of appreciation to President Trump for expediting this mission.” The astronauts, originally slated for a week-long mission in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s troubled Starliner, were stranded due to technical failures, prompting SpaceX’s Crew Dragon “Freedom” to facilitate their rescue, splashing down off Florida at 5:57 p.m. ET. Trump, who tasked Musk with the operation shortly after taking office, had criticized the Biden administration for the delays.
