NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams made it clear Monday who they credit for taking their ordeal seriously — President Donald Trump. In their first interview since returning to Earth after 286 days in space, both astronauts expressed appreciation for Trump’s involvement during their extended stay aboard the International Space Station.

Appearing on Fox News, Wilmore said he was thankful national leaders were stepping up, calling it “refreshing” and “empowering” to see Trump and Elon Musk engaged in the nation’s space program.

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Wilmore emphasized that Trump and Musk had earned his trust. “I respect you. I trust you,” he said. “You’ve given me no reason not to.” He described their support as a sign of strength for the country.

Suni Williams echoed that sentiment, saying she was “glad they’re involved and they take notice.” She stopped short of naming President Biden, but her tone suggested disappointment that others in Washington had not acted with the same urgency.

Williams went on to say their difficult situation forced people — including Trump and Musk — to “take it very seriously.” She highlighted how the U.S. must lead as a spacefaring nation, not just in launching astronauts but also in being able to “bring us back.”

That final remark hit home with many observers who noted Elon Musk had offered a private rescue mission months earlier, while the White House seemed disengaged. The astronauts were ultimately brought home on March 18, splashing down off the Florida coast.

Wilmore said blame could be spread across multiple agencies for the delay, but chose to focus on the future rather than point fingers. Both astronauts insisted they were grateful for the teamwork involved — though the political spotlight has now settled on the contrast between the Trump team’s involvement and Biden’s hands-off posture.