President Donald Trump used his joint address to Congress to double down on his mission to Mars.
During his speech on Tuesday night, Trump declared that his administration will “plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond,” a nod to billionaire Elon Musk.
“We are going to lead humanity into space and plant the American flag on the planet Mars, and even far beyond,” said Trump, echoing a sentiment he hit on during his inaugural address.
SpaceX, Musk’s business, makes rocket ships. He has long talked about building ships that can get to Mars, but the U.S. has been focusing on getting back to the moon for the most part.
Musk also received a standing ovation from Republicans in the crowd before Trump rattled off examples of wasteful spending by the government.
“The brand new Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, perhaps you’ve heard of it,” Trump said during his speech. “Which is headed by Elon Musk, who is in the gallery tonight? Thank you Elon.”
After applause from Republicans, Trump took a jab at Democrats saying, “He’s working very hard. He didn’t need this. He didn’t need this. Thank you very much. We appreciate it. Everybody here, even this side, appreciates that I believe. They just don’t want to admit it.”“Just listen to some of the appalling waste,” Trump said. “We have already identified $22 Billion. From HHS to provide free housing and cars for illegal aliens, $45 million for diversity, equity, and inclusion scholarships in Burma. $40 million to improve the social and economic inclusion of sedentary migrants. Nobody knows what that is.”“Just listen to some of the appalling waste,” Trump said. “We have already identified $22 Billion. From HHS to provide free housing and cars for illegal aliens, $45 million for diversity, equity, and inclusion scholarships in Burma. $40 million to improve the social and economic inclusion of sedentary migrants. Nobody knows what that is.”