Trump Hosts Artemis II Crew at White House, Touts Chance of Moon Landing Before 2029

Overview

• The Oval Office reception Wednesday brought together astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen.
• Trump said the United States has “a chance” to land on the Moon before his term ends in early 2029, a goal set against NASA’s planning for a 2028 return.
• The crew had completed a 10-day flight this month that looped past the Moon’s far side and reached 406,771 kilometers from Earth, the farthest humans have traveled.
• The event followed NASA chief Jared Isaacman’s defense in Congress of the White House’s proposed 2027 cuts to the agency’s budget, which could test support for the timeline.
• During the appearance, Trump joked about Isaacman’s ears, and Isaacman later posted that “we all have our superpowers,” signaling he took the remark in stride.