In a surprising revelation, U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to personally compensate NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore after learning they received just $5 per day for their extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
During an Oval Office press interaction, Fox News journalist Peter Doocy revealed that NASA gave the astronauts only $1,430 for their 286 extra days in space.
Trump Steps In After Learning of Astronauts’ Low Pay
Visibly taken aback by the revelation, Trump responded:
“Nobody’s ever mentioned this to me. If I have to, I’ll pay it out of my own pocket… That’s not a lot for what they had to go through.”
Trump’s statement has sparked public debate on NASA’s astronaut compensation policies, as many question why the agency pays space travelers so little for extended missions.
NASA’s Pay Structure: Why Just $5 a Day?
NASA considers astronauts federal employees on official travel orders, meaning they do not receive overtime, holiday, or weekend pay. Instead, NASA gives them a $5 daily “incidentals” allowance, similar to what other government employees receive on work trips.
Jimi Russell, a NASA spokesperson, confirmed this policy, stating:
“While in space, NASA astronauts are on official travel orders as federal employees. Their transportation, meals, and lodging are covered, but they receive a $5 per diem for incidentals.”
The revelation has sparked outrage, with critics calling for a review of astronaut compensation.
Trump Thanks Musk, Warns Against Tesla Sabotage
During the discussion, Trump also praised Elon Musk for ensuring the astronauts’ safe return.
“I want to thank Elon Musk… If we didn’t have Elon, they could have been up there a long time.”
However, Trump also addressed the growing issue of Tesla-related sabotage, following Musk’s appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Since Musk took over, Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations have faced increasing incidents of vandalism and protests.
In a stern warning, Trump declared:
“Those caught sabotaging Tesla cars could face up to 20 years in prison. There will be no leniency, and there will be no pardons.”
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Conclusion
Trump’s decision to personally compensate the astronauts has brought NASA’s outdated pay structure into the spotlight, sparking national debate on fair compensation for space travelers. His remarks have also intensified discussions around Tesla-related sabotage, with strong warnings against those involved.
With public pressure mounting, the big question remains: Will NASA revise its astronaut pay policy? While Trump’s intervention highlights the issue, it remains to be seen whether the agency will take steps to ensure fairer compensation for those who push the boundaries of human space exploration.
