The idea that two American astronauts could be stranded for nine months is an embarrassing proposition, even considering that they were in no imminent danger that required an emergency rescue.
Last month, Elon Musk made serious claims about the astronauts' extended stay in space. During an appearance on Fox News with Donald Trump, Musk alleged they were "left up there for political reasons, which is concerning."
On his podcast with Joe Rogan, Musk reiterated his claim that SpaceX offered to rescue the astronauts last year, but the Biden administration rejected his offer.
Musk claims that Biden’s refusal was politically motivated ahead of the presidential election. Musk put it this way:
"There is no way they're going to make anyone supporting Trump look good."
When initially questioned about Musk’s claim, Wilmore soft peddled his answer, but when asked again, he shifted his response.
“I can only say that Mr. Musk, what he says, is absolutely factual … I believe him.”
In September, SpaceX launched a Crew Dragon capsule to rescue the pair of astronauts, but after it docked at the space station, NASA decided to postpone its return.
While Wilmore expressed his trust in Musk, he mentioned that neither he nor Williams were aware of the private discussions regarding their rescue.
“We have no information on that, though, whatsoever. What was offered, what was not offered, who it was offered to, how that process went. That’s information that we simply don’t have.”
Wilmore also voiced his support for the new president and the world’s richest man.
Williams added:
“All of us have the utmost respect for Mr. Musk, and obviously, respect and admiration for our president of the United States, Donald Trump. We appreciate them. We appreciate all that they do for us, for human space flight, for our nation.”