Trump criticises Biden over delay in returning astronauts

US President Donald Trump asked Elon Musk to "help" two American astronauts who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024. In his statement, Trump accused the Joe Biden administration of "leaving them there" for an extended period, despite the existence of a return plan.

"I just asked Elon Musk and SpaceX to go get the two brave astronauts that the Biden Administration has essentially abandoned," Trump wrote in a post on the Truth Social platform on 28 January.

Astronauts on the ISS: Delay due to technical issues

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been on the ISS far longer than planned. Their initial mission, which was supposed to last only eight days, was extended due to problems with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was unable to return to Earth for technical reasons, including helium leaks and engine failures.

Due to these malfunctions, NASA decided that sending the astronauts back to Earth via Starliner was too risky, and it was ultimately decided to use a SpaceX spacecraft for their return. However, the mission was postponed, leading to a months-long wait for the astronauts on the station.

Musk's reaction and rescue plans

Elon Musk, in turn, promised to bring the astronauts back "as soon as possible," although official NASA plans assume the launch of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission no earlier than March or April 2025. Musk emphasised that he is ready to help, despite the fact that the postponement of the return was caused by technical difficulties in preparing the new spacecraft.

"It is terrible that the Biden Administration left them there for such a long time," Musk stated, noting that his company is ready for emergency intervention.

Difficulties in resolving the issue

NASA did not agree with the criticism of Biden, asserting that the problems with the technical condition of the Boeing spacecraft were complex and required time for testing and fault elimination. While Trump expressed dissatisfaction over the delay, NASA representatives emphasise that the decision to use SpaceX was "absolutely correct".

Meanwhile, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore continue their mission in space, awaiting the moment when they will be able to return home.