Fact Check: Biden left the astronauts stranded on the international space station

Claim Analysis: "Biden Left the Astronauts Stranded on the International Space Station"

Introduction

The claim that President Joe Biden "left the astronauts stranded on the International Space Station" has emerged in political discourse, particularly highlighted by former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. This assertion suggests that the Biden administration failed to facilitate the timely return of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were aboard the ISS for an extended period beyond their planned mission. This article will explore the context, facts, and various perspectives surrounding this claim.

What We Know

1. Mission Overview: NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore launched to the ISS in June 2024 for a mission initially scheduled to last about eight days. However, they remained on the ISS for over nine months due to issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule, which was intended to bring them back to Earth but malfunctioned, delaying their return 126.

2. Return to Earth: The astronauts finally returned to Earth in March 2025, after an unexpectedly long stay 28. Their extended presence on the ISS was not due to a lack of planning or support from NASA, but rather technical difficulties with the spacecraft.

3. Political Claims: The narrative of the astronauts being "stranded" gained traction when Trump suggested that the Biden administration had abandoned them, calling for Musk to intervene 49. Musk echoed this sentiment, claiming that the Biden administration had rejected offers to expedite their return 34.

4. NASA's Position: NASA Administrator Bill Nelson refuted claims of abandonment, stating that the astronauts were not in danger and that their extended stay was a result of technical issues rather than political decisions 35.

5. Media Coverage: Various media outlets have reported on the astronauts' situation, with some emphasizing the political implications of their extended stay. For instance, NPR and The New York Times noted the contrasting narratives from political figures and the actual circumstances surrounding the astronauts' mission 1235.

Analysis

The claim that Biden "left the astronauts stranded" is heavily influenced by political rhetoric rather than factual circumstances.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited include reputable news organizations such as NPR, The New York Times, and NBC News, which generally adhere to journalistic standards. However, the interpretation of events can vary significantly based on the outlet's editorial stance. For example, Newsweek and FactCheck.org provide fact-checking perspectives that aim to clarify misleading claims, while sources like Space.com directly address the inaccuracies in the "stranded" narrative 49.

• Political Bias: The statements from Trump and Musk may reflect political motivations, particularly as they criticize the Biden administration. Their claims lack substantial evidence and rely on emotional appeal rather than technical details. This raises questions about the objectivity of their assertions, as both figures have vested interests in promoting their narratives 49.

• Technical Context: The technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule are central to understanding the astronauts' extended stay. The malfunction was not a result of administrative negligence but rather a complex engineering challenge that NASA has been addressing. Additional information on the specific technical failures and NASA's contingency plans would provide a clearer picture of the situation.

• Public Perception: The framing of the astronauts as "stranded" plays into public fears and misconceptions about space travel and government efficacy. This narrative could influence public opinion against the Biden administration, regardless of the factual basis of the claims.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that President Biden "left the astronauts stranded on the International Space Station" is false. The evidence indicates that the extended stay of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore was due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule, not a failure of the Biden administration to facilitate their return. NASA officials have clarified that the astronauts were not in danger and that their prolonged mission was a result of unforeseen engineering challenges rather than political negligence.

It is important to recognize that the narrative of abandonment has been shaped by political rhetoric, particularly from figures like Trump and Musk, who may have motivations that extend beyond factual accuracy. While the claim has gained traction in certain circles, it lacks substantial evidence and relies heavily on emotional appeal.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. The complexities of space missions and the technical challenges faced by NASA can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the situation. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives before drawing conclusions.

Sources

1. NASA's latest space launch: 'Stranded' astronauts and messy politics - NPR [https://www.npr.org/2025/03/12/nx-s1-5324653/trump-space-musk-astronauts-international-space-station-nasa]
2. 2 NASA astronauts return to Earth after an unexpectedly long mission in space - NPR [https://www.npr.org/2025/03/18/nx-s1-5331907/nasa-astronauts-return-long-space-station-suni-williams-butch-wilmore]
3. Highlights From Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore’s Return to Earth - The New York Times [https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/03/17/science/nasa-astronauts-return-spacex]
4. Fact Check—Did Biden 'Abandon' Two US Astronauts in Space ... - Newsweek [https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-joe-biden-abandon-astronauts-fact-check-2022675]
5. The Facts Behind the Delayed Return of U.S. Astronauts - FactCheck.org [https://www.factcheck.org/2025/03/the-facts-behind-the-delayed-return-of-u-s-astronauts/]
6. After 9 months in space, NASA astronauts who flew on Boeing's capsule ... - NBC News [https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronauts-return-suni-williams-butch-wilmore-rcna194926]
7. Why are the astronauts stuck in space? - CBS News [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-are-astronauts-stuck-in-space-boeing-starliner/]
8. NASA astronauts head home after 9 months stranded at International ... - CBC [https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/nasa-butch-wilmore-suni-williams-1.7486311]
9. Musk and Trump repeat false 'stranded' Starliner astronauts narrative - Space.com [https://www.space.com/space-exploration/international-space-station/musk-and-trump-just-repeated-inaccurate-claims-of-stranded-starliner-astronauts-nasa-and-the-astronauts-dont-agree]
10. What to know about stranded NASA astronauts returning to Earth after ... - Washington Examiner [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/space/3340595/stranded-nasa-astronauts-space-butch-wilmore-sunita-williams]