Trump Speaks with ISS Crew, Honors Artemis II Astronauts

<p>President Donald Trump spoke with American astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) from Houston on Friday, where he also honored the Artemis II crew. During the phone call, Trump remarked that many Americans would enjoy traveling to space, stating, "I wouldn't do it. I hate to admit it. I would not want to do it. But some people love it more than anything." </p><p>The astronauts expressed their excitement about speaking with Trump, noting they were "in the middle of several spacewalks," with another planned for the following week. Trump referred to the crew as "pioneers" for their contributions to space exploration. </p><p>He invited other officials to address the ISS crew and extended an invitation for the astronauts to visit the White House upon their return. Trump stated, "We're going to see you when you get back. In fact, if you want Oval Office time, right?" </p><p>Earlier, Trump honored the Artemis II crew with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and signed an executive order to establish the U.S. Space Force Academy, stating it would be on par with other U.S. military academies such as West Point and the Naval Academy.</p>