Donald Trump Praises Artemis II Crew After Historic Moon Flyby, Calls Astronauts ‘Modern-Day Pioneers’ [WATCH]

President Donald Trump spoke Monday evening with the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission following their successful flight around the moon, congratulating the astronauts on what he described as a historic achievement, as reported by The New York Post.

The call took place shortly after the crew emerged from the far side of the moon, where they had temporarily lost communication with Earth.

Trump commended the four astronauts for their mission and invited them to visit the White House upon their return.

“You’ve made history and made all America really proud, incredibly proud,” Trump told the crew.

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The Artemis II mission includes Cmdr. Reid Wiseman, mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, and pilot Victor Glover.

Trump highlighted their accomplishment, noting that they had traveled farther from Earth than any previous human crew.

“Humans have really never seen anything quite like what you’re doing in a manned spacecraft,” Trump said. “It’s really special.”

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The president was introduced to the astronauts by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who told the crew that Trump “wanted to be the first person to greet you after your return from the far side of the moon.”

“I just wanted to honor to speak to you, and I wanted to congratulate each and every one of you,” Trump said, describing the astronauts as “modern-day pioneers.”

During the conversation, Trump asked the crew to describe the most memorable moments of their journey.

“Tell me what is the most unforgettable part of this really historic day? The whole world is watching and listening. Please tell me,” he said.

Cmdr. Reid Wiseman responded that the experience of seeing familiar sights from a new perspective stood out, along with observing parts of the moon that have not been seen by humans before.

Mission Specialist Christina Koch said that seeing Earth again after a period without communication was particularly meaningful.

“It really just reminds you what a special place we have,” she said.

Trump also asked about the challenges of operating without communication while on the far side of the moon. Pilot Victor Glover said the crew remained focused on their tasks despite the temporary disconnect.

“I said a little prayer,” Glover said, adding that he continued working during the communication blackout. “I was actually recording scientific observations of the far side of the moon … We were busy up here working really hard.”

Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen noted differences between the near and far sides of the moon, explaining that gravitational forces contribute to distinct surface features.

During the exchange, Trump mentioned that he had spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and hockey player Wayne Gretzky, both of whom he said were proud of Hansen’s participation in the mission.

Hansen is the first Canadian astronaut to take part in a lunar mission.

“I’m not sure if they’d want to do that,” Trump said.

Before concluding the call, Trump invited the Artemis II crew to the White House, where they are expected to visit after returning to Earth.

“I look forward to seeing you in the Oval Office,” Trump said. “I’ll ask Jared [Isaacman] to bring you over.”

“I’ll ask for your autograph because — I don’t really ask for autographs much, but you deserve that — you really are something,” he added.

Trump: “Hola, un saludo muy especial, a Artemis II. Hoy has hecho historia y has llenado de orgullo a toda América. Increíblemente orgulloso.”pic.twitter.com/I425oi7d9c

— Alerta Mundial (@AlertaMundoNews) April 7, 2026

The Artemis II crew is scheduled to return to Earth in four days, with their capsule expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego at approximately 8:07 p.m. ET on Friday.

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