Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally returned to Earth after being stuck in orbit for nine long months. At their first press conference back on solid ground, they gave credit where they felt it was due — and that wasn’t the current administration.
Wilmore expressed deep appreciation for President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. He said both had “earned” his trust and praised them for showing up and getting involved. “It’s empowering,” he said, when national leaders don’t sit on the sidelines.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 31, 2025
Williams echoed the same sense of gratitude. She said she was “glad that they’re involved and they take notice,” making it clear that attention from Trump and Musk helped bring the situation to light.
Without naming President Biden directly, Williams hinted at the lack of urgency from the administration. Her comment that the nation must be able to not only operate in space but “bring us back” struck a chord.
The astronauts returned March 18, landing in the Gulf of Mexico. By then, the story had become a political flashpoint. Critics pointed out that Biden seemed disengaged, even as Musk offered a solution months earlier.
When asked if Boeing was responsible for the ordeal, Williams pushed back. She said the problem was broader, involving multiple organizations working under pressure. Wilmore added that he shared in the responsibility as well.
Despite those remarks, the public reaction has centered on the political contrast. Trump’s involvement was direct and vocal. Biden’s silence has become part of the story.
Williams said the situation had prompted many — including “the president and Elon” — to take a hard look at the International Space Station and U.S. involvement. But the implication from her and Wilmore was that only one of those two actually acted.
