Mark Kelly, brother hit back at Musk's attack on astronaut

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and his brother, Scott Kelly, both retired astronauts, on Friday called out tech billionaire Elon Musk over his attacks on an astronaut on his social platform X.

"Hey @ElonMusk, when you finally get the nerve to climb into a rocket ship, come talk to the three of us," the Arizona lawmaker wrote on X in response to Musk's post calling Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen "an idiot."

Scott Kelly defended Mogensen after Musk attacked him for challenging his remarks on a recent Fox News interview alongside President Trump. Musk used an ableist slur, referring to Mogensen, in response to his post.

Mogensen had pushed back on Musk’s claim that the Biden administration “left” two astronauts in space “for political reasons.”

“What a lie,” Mogensen wrote in an X post while referring to a clip from the interview. “And from someone who complains about lack of honesty from the mainstream media.”

In support of Mogensen, Scott Kelly wrote, "I was the Commander of the @ISS when Andy, @Astro_Andreas flew his first space mission. He is one of the most competent, trustworthy, and honest people I’ve ever met. This rhetoric is beyond the pale but, sadly, not surprising. He does not deserve this kind of disrespect," referring to the International Space Station.

In response, Musk said Mogensen publicly attacked him, "despite having no idea what ACTUALLY happened."

"Btw, your brother claims to be independent, but is just a Dem donor shill," Musk said to Scott Kelly.

This prompted a response from the Arizona Democrat, who challenged the Department of Government Efficiency head to "climb into a rocket ship" before talking to the three of them.

On Wednesday, Mark Kelly criticized Musk and Trump over the administration's tax policies during his Senate speech.

"Did you wake up today thinking, 'Gosh, rich people sure need a tax cut?' Neither did I, but Elon Musk and Donald Trump did. I just got done speaking on the Senate floor about why their plan is a handout to the rich paid for by working families," he said in a post on X.

Topics

Elon Musk in row with Danish astronaut over claim Biden abandoned ISS pair

Musk claimed without evidence Nasa’s Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were left stranded on orbital outpost for ‘political reasons’. Elon Musk has become embroiled in a heated row with a Danish ...
The Guardian - 22h
Cry me a banner: Vini hits back at City fans

Vinícius Júnior had the last laugh in his fued with Man City fans with a pointed post on X after Real Madrid knocked City out of the Champions League.
ESPN - 1d
Trump’s first month back in office marked by mixed polling on his federal cuts

NBC News White House Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor, Senior National Security Correspondent Courtney Kube and Capitol Hill Correspondent Julie Tsirkin join Meet the Press NOW to report on President ...
NBC News - 1d
How Federal Employees Are Fighting Back Against Elon Musk

Some civil servants are using whatever levers they have to resist the orders of the world’s richest man, both in public and behind closed doors.
The New York Times - 2h
High Point hosts Kelly and Charleston Southern

Charleston Southern Buccaneers (10-18, 6-7 Big South) at High Point Panthers (23-5, 11-2 Big South) High Point, North Carolina; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Panthers -16.5; ...
ABC News - 3d
Mom of Starliner astronaut says daughter 'honored' to be on ISS

Williams was one of two people testing the Starliner capsule, which was not deemed safe for crewed return.
The Hill - 20h
Did a Rock Hit Your Windshield, or Did Your Windshield Hit a Rock?

Either way, it sucks. But at least there’s some fun physics to ponder while you’re sitting in the repair shop.
Wired - 22h
Accessibility Is Taking a Hit Across the Sciences

Confusion has ensued about the future of programs and research supporting people with disabilities as a result of President Trump’s executive order.
The New York Times - 2h
Trump Marks Black History Month, Even as He Disparages Value of Diversity

President Trump arrived at a packed White House celebration alongside Tiger Woods to a roaring crowd. The event came as he has eviscerated federal programs aimed at combating inequality in America.
The New York Times - 1d