Trump Congratulates Artemis Astronauts Circling Moon, Hails Space Leadership
President Trump praised Artemis astronauts for their historic lunar mission.
Top Summary
- What happened: President Trump called the Artemis astronauts orbiting the Moon to congratulate them on their historic mission.
- Why it matters: This marks the first lunar flyby in over 50 years and highlights renewed U.S. leadership in space exploration.
- What changes for people: It reinforces American dominance in space and inspires international collaboration in space programs.
- Who is affected: The astronauts, NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and citizens of both the U.S. and Canada are directly affected.
President Trump's Congratulatory Call
On Monday, April 6, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump called the Artemis astronauts orbiting the Moon.
He congratulated them for making history and stated they've made all of America "incredibly proud."
"You really are modern-day pioneers — all of you," Mr. Trump said.
Praise for Courage and Space Leadership
Mr. Trump lauded the astronauts' courage and NASA's achievement.
He credited himself with saving the space program and promised continued U.S. leadership in space.
"America will be second to none in space and everything we’re doing, and we will continue to lead the whole thing into the stars, this incredible journey into the stars," Mr. Trump said.
A Q&A from Lunar Orbit
The President engaged in a brief Q&A session with the crew.
He inquired about the dark side of the Moon and the feeling of being incommunicado with Earth.
Artemis pilot Victor Glover responded that he recorded scientific observations of the far side.
Canadian Collaboration Acknowledged
Mr. Trump mentioned speaking with Canada's leader and Wayne Gretzky about Canada's participation.
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen thanked Mr. Trump for American "space leadership."
He called the mission a "mutually beneficial goal."
"A nation that leads like (the US) and creates and sets big goals for humanity that brings other countries along with it, is truly incredible," Hansen said.
Invitation to the White House
Mr. Trump concluded the call by inviting the astronauts to the White House.
"Congratulations to everybody. I’ll see you at the Oval Office," he said.
What to Watch Next
The 10-day Artemis mission continues, with scientists eagerly awaiting the data collected during the lunar flyby. Details regarding the astronauts' White House visit are expected to be announced soon, marking another chapter in international space cooperation.