President Donald Trump has outlined an ambitious vision to lead the United States to Mars.
After taking the oath of office as the 47th U.S. president on December 20, Trump delivered an inauguration speech emphasizing the nation’s commitment to exploration and expansion.
“Today, I want Americans to know that it is time for us to act with courage and determination,” Trump said in the Capitol rotunda. “The United States will once again be a nation that grows, prospers, and leads. We will expand our ambitions, build our cities, and carry our flag to new frontiers, including Mars.”
Trump’s reference to “manifest destiny” echoes the 19th-century belief that spurred American expansion across the continent. Now, he envisions that same spirit driving the country’s journey into space.
“There is no nation like ours,” he added. “Americans are pioneers, creators, and explorers. The call to explore beyond our world resonates within us.”
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, attended the inauguration and responded positively to Trump’s comments about Mars. Musk has long advocated for human settlement on Mars, with his company already conducting several test flights of the powerful Starship rocket. The latest test, on January 16, involved a successful booster landing, though the Starship itself encountered issues during ascent. The FAA is currently investigating the incident.
NASA has selected SpaceX’s Starship for the Artemis program, aiming to land astronauts on the Moon by 2027. Meanwhile, Musk has expressed hopes for an uncrewed Mars mission by 2026.
Also present at the inauguration was Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin, which recently launched its New Glenn rocket into orbit. NASA has chosen the New Glenn to carry the ESCAPADE mission, which will study Mars’ magnetosphere.
Trump’s inauguration marked his return to office after serving as the 45th president. Following his defeat in 2020 to former President Joe Biden, Trump pledged to reverse many of Biden’s policies, including measures related to border security and social issues.
During his first term, Trump emphasized space exploration by establishing the U.S. Space Force and reviving the National Space Council, which provided guidance on space policy. His new vice president, J.D. Vance, is expected to lead the council if it continues.
Trump has nominated businessman Jared Isaacman, known for his privately funded space missions, to head NASA. Outgoing administrator Bill Nelson announced his retirement, thanking the agency for their dedication and service.
In closing his speech, Trump expressed optimism about America’s future.
“We will live with pride, dream without limits, and face every challenge head-on,” he said. “The future is bright, and America’s new era has just begun.”