Montclair’s Hero Astronaut Stumps For Trump; Buzz Aldrin Explains Pick

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s hometown astronaut hero, Buzz Aldrin, has made his personal pick for president in the 2024 election: Donald Trump.

On Wednesday, Aldrin put out a press release announcing that he is endorsing Trump for president in the general election on Nov. 5.

Aldrin touted advances in the nation’s space program made under Trump’s tenure, including the creation of the U.S. Space Force (read his full statement below).

“For me, for the future of our nation, to meet enormous challenges, and for the proven policy accomplishments above, I believe the nation is best served by voting for Donald J. Trump,” he said.

Aldrin – one of the first people to walk on the Moon – has a school named after him in Montclair, where he has seen ceremonies held in his honor. See Related: Montclair Honors Buzz Aldrin On 50th Anniversary Of Moon Landing

In 2019, Aldrin was invited to the Oval Office at the White House for a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of his historic moon walk alongside Neil Armstrong. After the face-to-face, Aldrin posted a message that lit up the comments section of his Twitter page, which was promptly re-shared by former vice president Mike Pence.

“Just had an excellent meeting with President Donald Trump!” he wrote. “We discussed America’s future in space, ways to address space challenges, and the need to keep exploring beyond the horizon.” See Related: Buzz Aldrin After Meeting Trump: ‘Keep America Great In Space’

Aldrin – whose lesser-known accomplishments include being the first person to urinate on the Moon and take a selfie photo in open space – has been influential on social media in recent years.

• Read More: Famed Astronaut’s Advice On 'Failure' Brings Smiles To Twitter
• Read More: Buzz Aldrin Recalls Classic 'Simpsons' Moment, 25 Years Later

Here’s the statement that the famed astronaut put out in support of the former president on Wednesday:

“A half-century ago, it was an honor to serve my country in the effort to put a human being on the Moon. I am proud of what we accomplished then and I have dedicated my life to the pursuit of an enduring human presence in space – it is a calling that runs through every fiber of my being.

“Over time, I have seen our government’s approach to space wax and wane. But under the first Trump Administration, I was impressed to see how human space exploration was elevated as a policy of high importance again. Under President Trump’s first term, America saw a revitalized interest in Space, and his Administration reignited national efforts to get back to the Moon, and push on to Mars. The Trump Administration also reinstituted the National Space Council, and our Nation’s defense was enhanced with the creation of the U.S. Space Force – increasingly important as space becomes a contested domain. At the same time, I have been enthused and excited by the great advancements in the private sector space economy, led by visionaries like Elon Musk. These are concrete accomplishments that align with my concerns and America’s policy priorities.

“America is facing serious and difficult challenges both at home and abroad. The Presidency requires clarity in judgement, decisiveness, and calm under pressure that few have a natural ability to manage, or the life experience to successfully undertake. It is a job where decisions are made that routinely involve American lives – some urgently but not without thought. The job requires sober analysis of frightening scenarios, and the instinct to lead with resolve. From the skies over Korea in air-to-air combat to navigating, landing, and walking on the Moon, I appreciate this kind of pressure. I know what it is like to have to make these kinds of decisions, with firmness and follow-through.

“In this election, we have a choice and we all have one vote. For some, the choice may not be easy – but in times of uncertainty real leaders are most needed – to guide and inspire a people, to push through the noise, recognize what really matters, and accomplish missions critical to all citizens. Most Americans rightly consider it an honor to cast their vote for a leader they believe will best serve the nation. For me, for the future of our country, to meet enormous challenges, and for the proven policy accomplishments above, I believe we are best served by voting for Donald J. Trump. I wholeheartedly endorse him for President of the United States. Godspeed President Trump, and God Bless the United States of America.”

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