Trump offers to pay Sunita Williams and Butch overtime out of his 'own pocket,' if necessary | WATCH

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday made an unexpected promise to pay the overtime for two astronauts, Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams, who recently returned to Earth after spending nine months in space.

Wilmore and Williams, who were originally assigned to an eight-day mission, ended up spending 286 days in space, 278 days longer than planned due to a malfunction in their spacecraft. Upon their return, it was revealed that both astronauts had been receiving a per diem of USD 5 per day, totaling an extra USD 1,430 (Rs. 1,22,980.50) each for their extended stay in space.

While addressing reporters in the Oval Office, Trump was asked about the calculated overtime pay for the astronauts. He responded, “Nobody’s ever mentioned this to me. If I have to, I’ll pay it out of my own pocket,” expressing his willingness to personally cover the costs if necessary.

The astronauts’ extended mission was not without its challenges. After their spacecraft malfunctioned, a rescue crew brought them back to Earth this week aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. Trump also took the opportunity to thank Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, acknowledging his role in the successful return of Wilmore and Williams. 

Trump remarked, “Think if we don’t have him? If we don’t have Elon. They could be up there a long time. Who is else is going to get them?” He emphasised the physical toll space travel takes on the human body, stating that the “body starts to deteriorate” after prolonged periods in orbit.

In addition to their annual salary of approximately USD 152,258, as per NASA, the two astronauts received the aforementioned per diem as compensation for their extended time in space.