President Donald Trump told lawmakers that U.S. astronauts will one day carry the American flag to Mars and beyond during a speech before the joint session of Congress.

President Donald Trump used his joint address to Congress to double down on his mission to Mars. During his speech on Tuesday night, Trump declared that his administration will “plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond,” a nod to billionaire Elon Musk.

As countries and private enterprises push the boundaries of what is possible beyond Earth, the race to establish a human presence on Mars has become more than just a scientific endeavor—it is now a political statement.

In his Address to Congress, Trump vowed to "plant the American flag" on Mars, doubling down on his mission, and with SpaceX and Musk’s help, he aims to push for interplanetary travel