Fact Check: Did Biden ‘Abandon’ Two US Astronauts in Space?

Recently, former President Donald Trump made a bold claim that President Joe Biden’s administration had “virtually abandoned” two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Trump even called on Elon Musk and SpaceX to rescue them. But is there any truth to this allegation? Let’s examine the facts.

The Origin of the Claim

Trump took to Truth Social on January 30, 2025, stating that he had personally asked Elon Musk to bring the astronauts back. This statement was followed by a post from Musk on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that SpaceX would be handling their return. These remarks led to widespread concern and speculation about whether the astronauts had truly been “abandoned.”

The Reality Behind the Mission

The facts paint a very different picture. Williams and Wilmore arrived at the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner for what was initially an eight-day test mission. However, due to technical malfunctions, including thruster issues and a helium leak, their return had to be postponed. Instead of being abandoned, NASA had been actively coordinating their return, and plans were already in place well before Trump’s statement.

NASA’s Pre-Planned Return Strategy

Under the Biden administration, NASA had arranged for the astronauts to return to Earth using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. In August 2024, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich publicly stated that a SpaceX flight was “the easiest and best option” for their return.

Moreover, NASA had made a statement in December 2024, while Biden was still president, confirming that the ISS was well-stocked with food, water, clothing, and oxygen, ensuring the astronauts’ safety. NASA also maintained continuous communication with Williams and Wilmore throughout their extended stay.

The Verdict: False

Trump’s claim that the Biden administration abandoned the astronauts is not supported by the facts. The return plan was already in place before Trump assumed office in January 2025. While their return was initially scheduled for February, minor delays pushed it to March. However, this was a part of NASA’s existing strategy and not an oversight by the administration.

Williams and Wilmore were never stranded or left without support. Their extended mission was managed carefully by NASA, ensuring their well-being and a safe return to Earth.

Conclusion

In a world where political narratives often twist reality, it’s crucial to rely on verified information. Despite Trump’s dramatic claims, the truth is that the astronauts were never abandoned, and their return was planned well in advance. NASA’s diligence ensured their safety, proving once again that space missions operate beyond political rhetoric.

Stay informed and always check the facts before jumping to conclusions!