Buzz Aldrin endorses Donald Trump for US president, praising focus on space exploration

Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, has publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump for a second term. In a lengthy statement on Wednesday, the 94-year-old brigadier general expressed his admiration for the first Trump administration’s initiatives to elevate “human space exploration” and noted how it was “made a policy of high importance again.”

Aldrin stated that Trump “reignited” efforts to return to the moon and advance plans for a mission to Mars. He praised the reinstatement of the National Space Council under the Trump administration, asserting that it allowed “leading voices to advocate for the importance of space to America.”

He further claimed that the establishment of the Space Force had “enhanced” the defence of the United States, stating it was “increasingly important as space becomes a contested domain.” Aldrin also expressed his enthusiasm for the “great advancements” in private space flight, referring to billionaire Elon Musk as a “visionary.” Musk has been a prominent supporter of the Trump campaign.

“We are facing serious and difficult realities on the global security landscape,” Aldrin added. “Domestically, we face major economic challenges, stability in our communities, and rule of law concerns. For these reasons and others, we need a proven, serious, tested leader for President.”

Aldrin indicated that he believes Trump possesses the “understanding of human nature, clarity in judgment, decisiveness, knowledge, understanding, and calm under pressures” necessary to lead the country. “The job requires sober analysis of frightening scenarios, and the instinct to lead with resolve,” he said.

He concluded, “For me, for the future of our Nation, to meet enormous challenges, and for the proven policy accomplishments above, I believe the nation is best served by voting for Donald J. Trump. I wholeheartedly endorse him for President of the United States. Godspeed President Trump, and God Bless the United States of America.”

Born in 1930, Aldrin is the last surviving crew member of the Apollo 11 mission, following the deaths of Michael Collins in 2021 and Neil Armstrong in 2012. He made three spacewalks while piloting the Gemini 12 mission in 1966, three years before the moon landing.

In 2019, Aldrin urged Trump to consider renaming the Space Force to a less antagonistic title. He suggested “Space Guard” would be a more deterrent name, as he conveyed to the *Daily Mail* at the time. The new branch of the armed forces was announced in June 2018 and is responsible for military operations in space.