‘You’ve Made History’: Trump Praises Artemis 2 Astronauts

In a high-profile recognition of humanity’s return to deep space, President Donald Trump has extended his formal congratulations to the four astronauts of the Artemis 2 mission. The praise comes as the crew officially broke the record for the furthest distance traveled from Earth, a milestone achieved on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

In a statement issued from the White House, the President hailed the mission as a defining moment for the nation and a clear signal of renewed American dominance in lunar exploration. "You’ve made history, and you’ve made your country incredibly proud," the President remarked. "This mission proves that when America sets its sights on the heavens, there is no limit to what we can achieve. You are the pioneers of a new era."

The Artemis 2 crew—Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—surpassed the half-century-old distance record previously held by the Apollo 13 mission. The President emphasized that this journey is just the beginning, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon and eventually reaching Mars.

[Image: President Donald Trump speaking about the Artemis space program]

The administration has consistently advocated for accelerated timelines in the Artemis program, viewing the lunar missions as vital for both scientific advancement and national security. During his address, the President also acknowledged the international cooperation involved in the mission, particularly the inclusion of a Canadian astronaut, noting that such partnerships strengthen global stability. As the Orion spacecraft begins its return leg to Earth, the White House has indicated that a formal reception for the crew is already being planned to celebrate their safe splashdown and historic contribution to human knowledge.