“For the future of our nation”

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, supported former President Donald Trump on Saturday.

In a speech, he wrote that the United States needs a proven, tested and serious leader in the White House.

“The presidency requires an understanding of human nature, clear judgment, determination, knowledge, understanding and calm under pressure that few can naturally handle or have the life experience to successfully address,” Aldrin said.

He added that as president it is sometimes necessary to make urgent decisions that regularly affect Americans. It requires a “sober analysis” of frightening situations and the instinct to “lead with determination,” according to Aldrin.

“From the skies over Korea in air-to-air combat to navigating, landing and walking on the moon, I appreciate this kind of pressure,” he wrote. “I know what it is like to have to make such decisions decisively, principled, resolutely and consistently. Training, experience and trust count.”

Aldrin said the U.S. faces economic challenges as well as issues with community “stability” and concerns about the “rule of law.” The country also faces difficult “realities” in the “global security landscape,” the astronaut noted.

Aldrin expressed support for the creation of the Space Force under Trump, which he said will become increasingly important as space becomes a “contested domain.” Trump also ordered the National Space Council, which advises the president on national space policy, to meet again. Operations ceased in 1993.

The astronaut expressed his approval of the council as well as “visionaries” who have made “great strides” in the “private sector space economy,” naming Elon Musk as one of them.

“These are concrete achievements that align with my concerns and America’s policy priorities,” Aldrin wrote.

He said he has seen the federal government's approach to space “go up and down” over the years.

“But under the first Trump administration, I was impressed to see human space exploration return to high-profile policy,” the address said. “Under President Trump’s first term, America experienced a revived interest in space.”

According to Aldrin, the Trump administration has also restarted “national efforts” to return to the moon and travel to Mars.

“For me, for the future of our nation, for meeting enormous challenges, and for the proven policy successes noted above, I believe the nation will be best served by voting for Donald J. Trump,” the astronaut said. “I fully support him as President of the United States. Good luck, President Trump, and God bless the United States of America.”

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