Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made headlines again, this time while visiting the Kennedy Space Center, where he donned a NASA pilot outfit for a high-profile photo opportunity. The 45-year-old Fox News host-turned-defense secretary took a joyride on a Northrop F-5 Tiger II military jet, piloted by Jared Isaacman, the newly appointed NASA administrator.
During his visit, Hegseth shared his excitement on social media, expressing gratitude to Isaacman with a post that included the caption, “Thank you, Jared. No doubt you are going to Make NASA Great Again.” He emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between NASA and the Department of Defense, stating, “I’ll fly with you any day!”
Hegseth’s tour included a stop at Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket factory, where he engaged with workers and delivered remarks about the need for the U.S. to “dominate the ultimate high ground” in space, reinforcing the idea of American superiority. His message mirrored sentiments echoed during the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and pave the way for future Mars exploration.
The defense secretary was seen wearing a helmet adorned with the Rebel Alliance emblem from Star Wars, which added a playful touch to his visit. Photos shared by Isaacman showed Hegseth enjoying the experience, complete with hand gestures for the camera. This lighthearted moment comes amid ongoing discussions about America’s role in space exploration and national security.
Notably, Hegseth’s visit to the Kennedy Space Center is reminiscent of other recent high-profile flights on Isaacman’s jet, including those by Eric and Lara Trump, further linking the Trump administration to activities in the space sector.
The meeting between Hegseth and Bezos was marked by a warm greeting, with Bezos stating, “Welcome! It’s an honor to have you.” This camaraderie highlights the ongoing collaboration between political leaders and private space enterprises in advancing American interests in space.
While Hegseth’s tenure has been marred by controversies, including accusations related to actions during the Trump administration, his current focus appears to be firmly set on promoting U.S. dominance in the space race. This visit not only underscores the significance of military and space partnerships but also reflects a renewed commitment to exploring the final frontier as a united front.