Stranded astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore believes Elon Musk’s claims that Joe Biden refused to conduct rescue mission

Barry “Butch” Wilmore, an astronaut stranded at the International Space Station, has confirmed statements made by SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk claiming that former President Joe Biden declined to rescue them. Wilmore, along with fellow astronaut Suni Williams, embarked on a mission in June 2024 that was supposed to last only eight days. However, technical issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft forced them to remain at the ISS for months.

During an in-orbit press conference, Wilmore expressed his trust in Musk’s remarks, stating, “I can only say that Mr. Musk, what he says, is absolutely factual … I believe him.” Despite this, Wilmore admitted that he was not privy to the details of any discussions that took place regarding their rescue. He mentioned, “We have no information on that, though, whatsoever. What was offered, what was not offered, who it was offered to, how that process went. That’s information that we simply don’t have.”

NASA has scheduled a rescue mission using SpaceX’s Dragon to retrieve Wilmore and Williams from the ISS. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has pledged to bring the stranded astronauts home, criticizing Biden for leaving them in space for political reasons. Trump assured the astronauts, “We love you, and we’re coming up to get you, and you shouldn’t have been up there so long.”

As the rescue mission unfolds, Wilmore and Williams continue their prolonged stay at the ISS, with uncertainties surrounding the circumstances of their rescue. Despite the challenges they face, the astronauts remain hopeful for a safe return to Earth.

The ongoing situation highlights the complexities of space travel and the importance of international cooperation in ensuring the well-being of astronauts. With the support of organizations like NASA and private companies like SpaceX, efforts are being made to bring Wilmore and Williams back home. As the world watches the developments unfold, the resilience and determination of these astronauts serve as a testament to the spirit of exploration and discovery that drives human spaceflight.

In the midst of uncertainty, the astronauts remain focused on their mission and look forward to the day when they can once again walk on solid ground. Their story serves as a reminder of the risks and rewards of space exploration, and the enduring spirit of humanity’s quest for knowledge and adventure.