Trump Vows Bold NASA Commitment in Meeting with Astronauts Williams and Wilmore
Trump Vows to Cover Astronauts’ Overtime After 9-Month Space Delay
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President Donald Trump has pledged to personally compensate NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore after their mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft stretched from an intended 8 days to 286 days due to technical failures. During a press briefing, Trump addressed reports that the duo would receive minimal overtime pay: “If I have to, I’ll pay it out of my own pocket. I’ll take care of it.”
Extended Mission, Minimal Pay
Williams and Wilmore launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2023 but faced repeated delays returning due to Starliner’s malfunctions, finally splashing down on March 19, 2024, in a SpaceX Dragon capsule. Astronauts typically earn no overtime, instead receiving a $5 daily “incidental” stipend during missions. Wilmore’s daughter revealed his total extra pay would amount to roughly $1,380. NASA confirmed astronauts’ base salaries range from $125,000 to $163,000 annually.
Williams and Wilmore returned to Earth on March 19 after a 286-day mission.
Political Controversy
The delayed return became politically charged. Trump claimed in January he directed SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to rescue the astronauts, accusing the Biden administration of abandoning them. Musk alleged NASA extended the mission for “political reasons,” suggesting it aimed to avoid boosting Trump’s reputation before the 2024 election. NASA’s acting administrator later acknowledged Trump’s push accelerated their return by a month.
Health Challenges
Post-landing, the astronauts faced immediate health protocols, including stretcher transport to counter muscle atrophy caused by microgravity. Despite visible frailty and IV fluids, both walked independently within days at NASA’s Houston facility. Experts warn recovery could take 3–6 months. “Their spines lengthened, muscles weakened—rehab will require patience,” said Dr. Ehsan Jazini, a spine surgeon. Chronic back pain affects a third of long-term astronauts.
Williams (center) post-recovery, showing signs of weight loss but smiling.
Recovery Road Ahead
Rehabilitation includes core exercises, mobility work, and gradual reintroduction to gravity. NASA medical teams are monitoring both astronauts closely. While their quick ambulation surprised many, prolonged missions risk lasting issues like vision changes and bone density loss.
Trump vowed to cover the astronauts’ overtime during a press briefing.
Conclusion
Though Williams and Wilmore’s ordeal spotlighted gaps in spacecraft reliability and astronaut compensation, their safe return—and Trump’s intervention—underscore the intersection of space exploration and political narratives. As Boeing works to resolve Starliner’s issues, the duo’s resilience remains a testament to astronaut dedication amid unforeseen challenges.
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