In a notable endorsement, retired astronaut Buzz Aldrin announced on Wednesday his support for Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Aldrin, the last surviving member of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission and the second person to walk on the moon, praised Trump’s commitment to space policy during his first term, describing it as a revitalization of America’s approach to human space exploration.
The 94-year-old Aldrin shared his thoughts in a public statement, expressing his admiration for the Trump administration’s emphasis on space exploration. “I have seen the government’s approach to space wax and wane, a fluctuating dynamic that has disappointed me from time to time.
But under the first Trump Administration, I was impressed to see how human space exploration was elevated and made a policy priority again,” Aldrin said.
Aldrin, a long-time advocate for expanding space programs, credited Trump for pushing forward significant developments in both public and private space sectors. One of the most impactful policies, he noted, was the creation of the U.S. Space Force, which Trump established in 2019 as the newest branch of the military focused on space operations.
“The establishment of the Space Force was a decisive step in acknowledging the importance of space in national security and defense,” Aldrin added, highlighting his support for a program he views as essential to future space endeavors.
In his statement, Aldrin also praised advancements in the private sector, particularly the work of visionary entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, whose contributions to space technology have furthered America’s position in the industry. “I have been excited by the great advancements in the private sector space economy, led by visionaries like Elon Musk.
These are concrete accomplishments that align with my concerns and America’s policy priorities,” Aldrin noted, emphasizing how the private sector complements the government’s efforts in expanding the country’s space capabilities.
Reflecting on his decades-long career in space exploration, Aldrin expressed disappointment with how previous administrations handled space policies, which often lacked consistent direction and funding. He pointed out that Trump’s approach to space exploration differed from past leaders by treating it as a matter of national pride and importance.
“Under President Trump’s first term, America saw a renewed interest in space, which included both government and private partnerships that promise to take us further than we’ve been before,” Aldrin remarked.
For Aldrin, Trump’s space-focused policies represent not only a commitment to science and exploration but also an investment in America’s leadership role on the global stage. “For me, the future of our Nation, and the proven policy accomplishments above, I believe the nation is best served by voting for Donald J. Trump,” he concluded.
Aldrin’s endorsement comes as space exploration continues to be a critical area of investment and innovation for the United States. With upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars, and continued collaboration between NASA and private companies, Aldrin believes that Trump’s policies have set a strong foundation for the next generation of space explorers.
This endorsement highlights the unique appeal Trump’s policies have among space enthusiasts and those who prioritize America’s role in space innovation. As Election Day approaches, Aldrin’s support emphasizes a specialized, policy-driven perspective, showing that for some, priorities like space exploration and national defense play a central role in their voting decisions.
