The world was shocked when a video emerged showing former President Donald Trump flipping off the female astronauts who conducted a spacewalk outside the International Space Station. The incident occurred in 2019, but the footage only surfaced in 2021.
The Spacewalk
The spacewalk was conducted by astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch in October 2019. The two women were the first all-female team to conduct a spacewalk in history. The mission was a milestone for women in space and was widely celebrated.
The Incident
The video that surfaced in 2021 showed Trump at a campaign rally in Louisiana on the day of the spacewalk. During his speech, he made a derogatory comment about the mission, saying, "They're conducting the first ever female spacewalk today. That's fantastic. You know, it's like, it's one small step for women, one giant leap backwards for mankind."
After making the comment, Trump was seen on the video turning to his side and making a gesture with his hand, which many interpreted as him flipping off Meir and Koch.
Reaction
The video sparked outrage on social media, with many people condemning Trump's behavior. Meir and Koch themselves did not comment on the incident, but their colleague, astronaut Anne McClain, tweeted, "Leaders must take action to shape culture, to be inclusive, to value all who contribute. Diversity and inclusion are not just nice-to-haves, they are mission-critical, and we will not achieve our mission without them."
Former NASA astronaut Terry Virts also weighed in, saying, "As a former spacewalker, I can tell you that being outside the spacecraft is one of the most peaceful, awe-inspiring moments for an astronaut. They are focused on doing the job, not politics back on Earth."
Trump's Response
Trump did not address the incident directly, but his spokesperson, Stephanie Grisham, issued a statement saying, "The president's call with the astronauts was a productive and cordial conversation between the three of them. As usual, the media are lying and it's not surprising, but it's still disappointing."
Conclusion
The incident involving Trump flipping off the female astronauts who conducted a spacewalk was a shocking and disrespectful moment. It highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in all fields, including space exploration. It is important for leaders to set an example and promote a culture of inclusivity and respect. Meir and Koch's historic accomplishment should be celebrated, not belittled.