Trump vows to cover stranded astronauts’ overtime pay after learning they got $5 daily on top of salary

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump offered to pay NASA astronauts who were stranded in space for nine months out of his pocket after learning that they made 5 dollars per day for their trouble, Whiskey Riff reported on Friday, March 21.

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore returned to Earth on March 18 after their week-long mission at the International Space Station went sideways. They had set off in a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which suffered multiple helium leaks, experienced thruster issues, and had to be brought back to Earth without a crew.

As a result, their eight-day trip lasted 286 days and concluded after NASA joined hands with Elon Musk's SpaceX to facilitate their return. However, reports suggest that the two astronauts did not earn any overtime pay for their unplanned stay in orbit, and made a total of $1,430.

Donald Trump's reaction to astronauts not getting overtime

The 78-year-old commander-in-chief, who has been vocal about his disdain for overtime pay, claimed to hear about the astronauts' pay for the first time during a press briefing in the Oval Office on Friday.

Feeling that the amount paid by NASA was ridiculous, Trump stated, "Well, nobody’s ever mentioned this to me. If I have to I’ll pay it out of my own pocket, ok? I’ll get it for ’em. I like that. I’ll pay it out of my own pocket. Is that all? That’s not a lot for what they had to go through.”

The POTUS took the opportunity to praise his advisor, tech billionaire and Department of Government Efficiency chair Musk for his role in bringing the astronauts safely back to Earth.

“Think if we don’t have him, you know? There’s only so long, even though they’re in the capsule up there, the body starts to deteriorate after 9 or 10 months. And if we don’t have Elon, they could be up there a long time. Who else is going to get them? And I just want to thank him," he shared.

Internet praises Trump's announcement

Netizens were happy to hear Trump's assurance that the astronauts stranded in space would be well-compensated. The following posts on the social media platform X demonstrate their takes.

"This is a very good gesture," wrote a user.

"He takes care of hard-working Americans!" shared another.

"Glad to see POTUS has their backs! Space might be infinite, but fair pay shouldn’t be left floating in the void!" noted a third.

"This man has a big heart!" exclaimed a fourth.

"Wow! A very decent thing to do!" echoed a fifth.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.