Trump Calls ISS Crew From NASA Mission Control, Announces Space Academy

President Donald Trump made a historic call to astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday during a visit to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Officials confirmed it was the first time a sitting president had placed a call to the station from Mission Control.

During the call, Trump spoke with NASA astronaut Jessica Meir and her crewmates, Anil Menon and Jack Hathaway, praising their courage and dedication. "I wouldn't do it. I will tell you right now, I hate to admit it," Trump said, adding, "But some people love it more than anything. And you have amazing courage."

The president also took the opportunity to announce a major new initiative: the establishment of a U.S. Space Academy. Trump likened it to prestigious institutions like West Point and Annapolis, stating it would be "at the same level" as those elite academies. The announcement was met with enthusiasm from the room, and Meir later said the crew was "thrilled to hear it."

Meir updated the president on the crew's activities, noting they had been conducting several spacewalks and were preparing for another one the following week. She also expressed pride in the Artemis II crew, with whom the ISS astronauts had spoken earlier, saying it made them feel "incredibly connected and incredibly proud."

Trump concluded the call by inviting the astronauts to the White House upon their return. "We'll see you in the Oval Office, OK?" he said, before signing off with a message of safety and gratitude.