'We are going to Mars very soon': Trump honors Artemis II astronauts at America 250

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump brought the Artemis II astronauts onto the stage during his July 4 address on the National Mall, honoring the crew's record-breaking journey to the far side of the moon and declaring that the United States has reclaimed its dominance in space after falling behind China and Russia in recent years.

Trump welcomed the crew to roaring applause before turning to the broader significance of their mission, framing it as a defining moment in American history.

Trump says US now 'leading by giant steps' over China and Russia

"Within 66 years of inventing the airplane, Americans planted our flag on the moon," Trump said.

"And just three months ago, we sent American astronauts back to the far side of the moon, and this time they flew further from Earth than anyone has ever flown before."

Trump was effusive in his praise for the crew, singling out NASA astronaut Jared Isaacman alongside the broader Artemis II team.

"Everybody was watching," he said of the mission. "They became very famous." He then addressed the competitive context of the achievement directly.

"We were losing to China and to Russia in space, and now we're leading them by giant steps, and it's a great thing. It's people like that that really made it happen," Trump said, gesturing to the astronauts beside him.

The Artemis II mission, which took place earlier this year, sent a crew of four astronauts on a flight around the moon, traveling further from Earth than any humans have ventured since the Apollo program ended in 1972. The mission was widely seen as a major milestone in NASA's broader effort to return humans to the lunar surface and eventually send a crewed mission to Mars.

Trump also honors last man to walk on the moon

Also on stage was Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, the last living person to have walked on the moon, who joined the crew during the national celebration.

Trump recognized Schmitt with characteristic humor, telling him, "You look like you could be with them, Jack," drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

Looking ahead, Trump sketched out an ambitious vision for where the space program goes next. "We're gonna do the moon and we're gonna go from there," he said.

"We're gonna go to Mars and we're gonna continue to be way ahead."

The tribute to the Artemis II crew was one of several highlights of Trump's July 4 address, which also included the unveiling of two of the oldest surviving American flags and tributes to Korean War veterans, as part of the broader America 250 celebration marking the nation's 250th anniversary.