The SpaceX founder, who also leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), extended his appreciation to President Donald Trump for prioritizing the astronauts' return. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams had been aboard the ISS since June 2024, initially expecting a week-long mission following the launch of Boeing's first crewed flight. However, technical difficulties with the spacecraft led NASA to deem it unsafe for their return, leaving the astronauts stranded for months.
On Tuesday, Wilmore, Williams, Crew-9 Commander Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov splashed down off the Florida coast just before 6 p.m., marking the end of their extended stay in space. The astronauts' predicament had become a political talking point for the Trump administration, with Musk previously alleging on "Hannity" on February 18 that the Biden administration had left them in space for "political reasons."
Upon taking office, President Trump swiftly tasked Musk with retrieving the astronauts, whom he claimed had been "abandoned" by the previous administration. Trump also criticized former President Joe Biden for failing to act sooner, posting on social media, "I have just asked Elon Musk and
@SpaceX
to ‘go get’ the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. They have been waiting for many months on @Space
Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!!" The successful rescue mission showcases the strong partnership between SpaceX and NASA, as well as the Trump administration's commitment to prioritizing the safety of American astronauts.