President-elect Donald Trump, who once criticized Elon Musk’s SpaceX for launching “rocket ships to nowhere,” visited the Texas coast on Tuesday to witness the latest tests of the massive Starship rocket. SpaceX received a warm welcome.
Trump, sporting a red MAGA hat, observed the launch from under a tent alongside Musk as the large rocket soared into the sky near Brownsville. The rocket is a crucial component of Musk’s plan to establish a colony on Mars.
This appearance further illustrates Trump’s evolving relationship with Musk, one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Musk has been serving as a general advisor to Trump following his assistance in securing a second term in the White House two weeks prior.
President Trump has expressed his support for the Mars exploration initiative. He announced his visit via X, a social media platform owned by Musk.
“I’m traveling to Texas to witness the launch of the largest object ever lifted from the ground, not just to reach space. @ElonMusk and all the amazing patriots who contributed to this incredible project, good luck!” he stated.
The event was attended by several guests, including Donald Trump Jr., Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Linda McMahon, a former professional wrestling executive supporting Trump’s transition. During the event, Musk enthusiastically conversed with Trump, while Trump observed the rocket launch mostly stoically. The rocket lifted off around 5 p.m. ET, and the booster seemed to land safely in the Gulf of Mexico shortly afterward.
Following the launch, Musk guided Trump on a tour of his nearby office, and Trump interacted with guests outside. They did not address the public immediately as the Starship’s upper stage continued on its trajectory towards the Indian Ocean.
Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, stated on X that Trump expressed his honor in attending the event.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
