Texas: United States President-elect Donald Trump participated in the inauguration ceremony of SpaceX's Starship, a project under the ownership of Elon Musk.
During the event, Trump was observed alongside Musk as the spacecraft embarked on its sixth test flight from SpaceX's expansive rocket development facility located in Boca Chica, Texas.
The primary objectives of this test flight were to ensure the booster's successful return to the launch site for recovery, reignite the Raptor engine while in space, and conduct various experiments and adjustments related to heat shields and manoeuvring for the spacecraft's reentry and descent over the Indian Ocean.
The Starship test flight concluded with a successful outcome, with the rocket making a splashdown at its designated target in the Indian Ocean.
Trump's attendance at the launch site underscores the increasing influence of Elon Musk within the Trump administration.
The President-elect has appointed Musk, in collaboration with Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
"I am pleased to announce the appointment of the exceptional Elon Musk, in partnership with American patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)," Trump stated in an official announcement on Tuesday.
"Together, these two distinguished Americans will set the stage for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary regulations, reduce wasteful spending, and reorganize federal agencies—crucial steps towards the 'Save America' movement. This initiative will create a significant impact and serve as a warning to those involved in government waste," he added.
The DOGE will work in collaboration with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to drive large-scale structural reforms and promote an entrepreneurial approach to governance.
Donald Trump secured his second term as President of the United States by securing 295 electoral votes in the 2024 presidential election, defeating Democratic challenger Kamala Harris, who received 226 votes. Following his victory, President-elect Trump has taken swift action to finalize his foreign policy and national security team in preparation for his formal inauguration in January 2025.
