Elon Musk has stirred controversy by accusing the Biden administration of politically motivated maneuvers to delay the return of two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, from the International Space Station.

Musk asserts that the Biden administration postponed the astronauts' return to avoid favorable attention towards Donald Trump, as the Daily Mail reports.

During an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Musk expressed his views on what he perceives as deliberate actions taken by the administration.

He contended that an offer he made to expedite the return of the astronauts was declined solely because it might have painted Trump in a favorable light.

According to Musk, the administration's concerns about possibly benefiting Trump led to the decision to reject his proposal.

Musk's Political Allegations

Musk's relationship with Trump was highlighted, citing his attendance at several MAGA rallies during Trump's 2024 campaign and his significant financial support of the Republican's election bid.

This connection, Musk suggested, was a factor influencing the Biden administration’s decision. He also speculated that the delay might have been a strategic move to benefit Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential ambitions.

The tensions between SpaceX and the government do not stop there. Musk brought up a past legal battle, pointing to a lawsuit against SpaceX initiated by the Department of Justice in August 2023.

This lawsuit was eventually dismissed a few weeks prior to Musk's podcast interview. Musk interpreted these legal actions as aggressive tactics by the administration.

NASA's Position and Technical Explanations for Delay

NASA, on the other hand, emphasized technical reasons for the delay. The delay was attributed to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which supposedly hindered the astronauts' return timeline. NASA had announced these complications in August, firmly denying any political undertones or motivations.

Both astronauts, Williams and Wilmore, were initially set for a brief mission to the ISS beginning June 6 of last year. However, due to the delay, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are slated to return to Earth in March, culminating in their extended, nine-month mission in space.

Responses to Political Accusations Pour in

Former NASA administrator Bill Nelson voiced strong opposition to Musk's claims. He clarified that politics played absolutely no role in the decision-making process regarding the astronauts' mission timeline.

Similarly, Wilmore confidently spoke out, asserting that he had not encountered any discussions suggesting political motivations. To him, the notion was both surprising and unfamiliar.

Wilmore firmly denied feeling "stranded," a term Musk used to dramatize the astronauts' situation. Despite Musk's portrayal, Wilmore maintained that he felt the mission was well handled and within the bounds of expected operations.

Musk's Views on SpaceX's Role

Musk discussed the unique role of SpaceX in ensuring the astronauts' safe return. He highlighted that the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft remains the sole vehicle deemed secure enough for their journey back. Musk expressed that, amid the political and technical discourse, SpaceX's capabilities remain a crucial factor in the astronauts' safe return to Earth.

To support his claims, Musk reiterated SpaceX's legal standing concerning employment practices. He clarified that SpaceX was legally restricted from hiring asylum seekers, a point he emphasized as being misunderstood by critics.

Public Reaction to Controversial Statements

Joe Rogan, the podcast host, shared his incredulity over Musk's allegations. He found the situation perplexing, pointing to it as a misuse of political power. Rogan described the implications as appalling, further fueling the conversation surrounding the astronauts' extended stay in space. However, as discussions unfold, NASA and other parties involved continue to uphold technical explanations, distancing themselves from political narratives.

As the astronauts prepare for their return on the SpaceX Crew-9 flight, debate lingers over the root causes of their prolonged mission. NASA remains steadfast in its technical rationale, while Musk's contentions offer a counter-narrative mired in political intrigue.