SpaceX founder Elon Musk has made bold statements about humanity’s future on Mars, claiming that political leadership could be the deciding factor in whether we reach the red planet. “We will never reach Mars if Kamala wins,” Musk declared, referencing Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential presidential run. The journey to Mars has now become a point of contention in the ongoing U.S. presidential race.
Musk, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, is confident in his goal to make space travel accessible to anyone who wants to explore. On Sunday night, he addressed his followers on X, saying that in just two years, SpaceX will send five unmanned spaceships to Mars. “Eventually,” Musk said, “there will be thousands of Starships going to Mars, and it will [be] a glorious sight to see!”
However, Musk warned that under a Democratic presidency, especially one led by Harris, the Mars mission could be derailed. He expressed concern that bureaucracy would slow down the progress of space exploration and prevent humanity from becoming a multi-planetary species. Musk asserted that the “Mars programme would be destroyed” by excessive red tape.
The frustration isn’t new for Musk. Earlier this month, he reiterated his concerns: “We will never reach Mars if Kamala wins.” This sentiment was echoed by former President Donald Trump, who has promised to prioritize space exploration if he wins another term. At a recent rally, Trump vowed to reach Mars during his presidency, stating, “I’ll talk to Elon. Elon, get those rocket ships going.”
Trump’s own impact on space policy during his time in office was significant. Under his administration, the U.S. government created Space Force and pushed NASA to accelerate its timeline to return to the moon, a mission that has now been delayed until 2025. MIT has credited Trump with having an “outsized impact” on U.S. space activities.
SpaceX has played a key role in pushing the boundaries of space travel. As NASA’s primary means of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station, SpaceX has proven its commitment to high-risk, high-reward innovation. Just two weeks ago, the company helped an American billionaire complete a private spacewalk, further highlighting its bold ambitions.
Yet despite SpaceX’s breakthroughs, Musk remains frustrated by the growing mountain of government regulations. “One of my biggest concerns right now is that the Starship programme is being smothered by a mountain of government bureaucracy that grows every year,” he said. Despite these challenges, Musk remains optimistic. If all goes according to plan, unmanned Starships will arrive on Mars within two years, with crewed missions following by 2028.
Musk has often spoken about his long-term vision of establishing a self-sustaining colony on Mars within the next 20 years. Whether this ambitious timeline becomes reality could depend on who occupies the White House.
The Role of Kamala Harris in Space Exploration
While Musk has been critical of Harris, it’s important to note that she has also been a strong advocate for space exploration. Since 2021, she has served as the chair of the National Space Council, where she has promoted international cooperation in space. One of her key accomplishments was pushing 37 countries to sign the Artemis Accords, which declare that outer space “shall be the province of all mankind.”
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has praised Harris for her passion for space, saying, “I believe that she’s a space aficionado.” Her efforts reflect her commitment to peaceful space exploration, but Musk’s criticism highlights the tension between private space innovators and governmental oversight.
The Future of Mars Colonization Hinges on Leadership
As Elon Musk and SpaceX continue their pursuit of Mars colonization, the political landscape could play a crucial role in determining whether these ambitions are realized. With Musk warning of bureaucratic delays under a potential Kamala Harris presidency and Donald Trump promising to fast-track space exploration, the race to Mars is now intertwined with U.S. politics. Whether humanity makes its giant leap to the red planet may depend on who holds the reins of power in the years to come.
