Fact Check: Biden left the astronauts stranded

Did Biden Leave Astronauts Stranded in Space?

Introduction

The claim that President Joe Biden left two astronauts stranded in space has gained traction, particularly following statements from former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. This assertion suggests that the Biden administration failed to facilitate the timely return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS). The narrative has sparked significant political debate and scrutiny, prompting various media outlets to investigate the validity of these claims.

What We Know

1. Astronauts' Status: Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were aboard the ISS and returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, after a nine-month mission. Their return was facilitated by a SpaceX capsule, which was part of a planned mission timeline, not an emergency rescue operation 78.

2. Claims of Abandonment: Donald Trump first made the claim that the astronauts were "virtually abandoned" by the Biden administration on January 28, 2025, urging Elon Musk to intervene 12. Musk echoed this sentiment in various interviews, suggesting that the astronauts were stranded due to the Biden administration's inaction 34.

3. Astronauts' Responses: Both Williams and Wilmore have publicly stated that they did not feel abandoned or stranded during their time on the ISS. In interviews, they expressed confidence in NASA's plans and operations, contradicting the narrative of abandonment 810.

4. Political Context: The claims have been framed within a broader political context, with Trump and Musk suggesting that the Biden administration's actions were politically motivated. This has led to accusations of using the astronauts' situation for political gain 46.

5. NASA's Position: NASA officials have refuted claims that the astronauts were stranded, emphasizing that their return was part of a scheduled mission and that there were no safety concerns regarding their stay on the ISS 10.

Analysis

The sources discussing the claim present a mix of opinions and factual reporting.

• Credibility of Sources:

  • NPR and USA Today are generally regarded as credible news organizations, providing fact-based reporting. Their coverage includes direct quotes from the astronauts, which adds reliability to their accounts 13.
  • Newsweek and Snopes are also reputable fact-checking sources that have investigated the claims made by Trump and Musk, providing context and analysis 24.
  • However, some sources, such as Fox News, may carry a bias depending on the political leanings of their audience. Their coverage often aligns with conservative viewpoints, which could influence the framing of the narrative 59.

• Methodological Concerns: The claims made by Trump and Musk lack substantial evidence and rely heavily on anecdotal assertions rather than documented facts. The astronauts' own statements contradict the idea that they were abandoned, which raises questions about the motivations behind the claims made by political figures 810.

• Conflicts of Interest: Elon Musk's involvement in the narrative is particularly noteworthy, as he has a vested interest in promoting SpaceX and its capabilities. His statements could be seen as self-serving, aimed at bolstering the reputation of his company rather than providing an objective account of the situation 39.

• Public Perception: The narrative has been shaped significantly by political rhetoric, which can skew public perception. The framing of the astronauts as "stranded" plays into broader themes of governmental competence and accountability, particularly in a politically charged environment 46.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that President Biden left astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore stranded in space is false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the astronauts' own statements, which assert they did not feel abandoned and were confident in NASA's operations. Furthermore, their return was part of a scheduled mission, not an emergency situation, as emphasized by NASA officials.

While the political context surrounding the claim is significant, it is crucial to recognize that the assertions made by Trump and Musk lack substantial evidence and rely on anecdotal claims rather than verified facts. The potential motivations behind these claims, particularly Musk's vested interest in SpaceX, further complicate the narrative.

It is important to acknowledge that while the evidence presented is compelling, the political landscape can often cloud public perception, and narratives can be shaped by biases. Readers should remain aware of these dynamics and critically evaluate information from multiple sources to form an informed opinion.

Sources

1. NPR. "Two astronauts 'stranded' in space are coming back to Earth." Link
2. Newsweek. "Fact Check—Did Biden 'Abandon' Two US Astronauts in Space, As Trump Claims?" Link
3. USA Today. "Starliner astronauts refute Trump's claim Biden 'abandoned' them." Link
4. Snopes. "Unpacking claims Biden purposefully left astronauts in space for political gain." Link
5. Fox News. "Musk corrects Biden admin's claim on stranded astronauts and more top headlines." Link
6. The Hill. "Astronauts push back on Trump claim Biden abandoned them on." Link
7. MEAWW. "Fact Check: Did Joe Biden purposefully leave astronauts stranded in space for political gain?" Link
8. FactCheck.org. "The Facts Behind the Delayed Return of U.S. Astronauts." Link
9. Fox News. "Stranded astronaut Barry 'Butch' Wilmore believes Elon Musk’s claims that Joe Biden refused to conduct rescue mission." Link
10. Ars Technica. "NASA officials undermine Musk's claims about 'stranded' astronauts." Link