Donald Trump Says He Will Pay Retrieved Astronauts Himself

President Donald Trump has declared his intention to personally finance overtime pay for astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, following their lengthy, unexpected stay in space. They originally set out for an eight-day mission in June 2024, but spent nine months on the International Space Station (ISS) due to mechanical difficulties with their spacecraft. This is prepared by SSP.

Speaking to Fox News’ Peter Doocy and reporters in the Oval Office, Trump was surprised to learn that these astronauts didn't earn overtime pay for their extended mission. Upon discovering that Williams and Wilmore each received a mere $1,430 in incidentals, calculated as $5 per day, Trump offered to pay the difference "out of my own pocket," describing it as a small gesture for what they endured.

The astronauts began their return journey to Earth at 1:05 a.m. EST on March 18 and successfully landed off Florida's coast later that day. This return utilized a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, which had been part of a pre-existing NASA and SpaceX partnership to resolve their return logistics. Trump also expressed gratitude to Elon Musk, head of SpaceX and Tesla, noting Musk's pivotal role in their retrieval. Trump emphasized the importance of bringing the astronauts back swiftly, highlighting the potential health risks after prolonged periods in orbit.

Despite Trump's critique of the Biden Administration for the delayed retrieval efforts on social media, both NASA and the astronauts emphasized there was no negligence. Speaking to CNN, astronaut Wilmore asserted that he and Williams never felt "abandoned," noting their preparations for various contingencies aboard the ISS.

Furthermore, NASA clarified that while astronauts don't receive overtime or holiday pay, as federal employees on long-term temporary assignments, their essential needs including transportation and lodging are covered by federal travel regulations.

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