President Donald Trump revealed that he was interested in creating a new force dedicated to warfare in space.
“Space is a war-fighting domain, just like the land, air, and sea,” Trump said. “We may even have a Space Force … we have the Air Force, we’ll have the Space Force.”
Trump made his remarks to an audience of military servicemembers during a visit to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California. He said he mentioned it offhandedly during a discussion about space defense, but that some in his administration thought it was a good idea.
“Our service members will be vital to ensuring America continues to lead the way into the stars, we’re going to lead in space,” he said. “We’re way way behind, but we’re catching up fast. So fast, nobody even believes it.”
Trump poked fun at the “fake news” media, suggesting that it was a good news story for them.
“Look at all those people back there,” Trump said, pointing at the media. “Ah that fake news!”
The audience of servicemembers applauded and cheered.
Trump said that the United States would soon travel to Mars and beyond, thanks to new government and private investment in space technology.
“Very soon we’re going to Mars,” he said. “You wouldn’t be going to Mars if my opponent won, you wouldn’t be thinking about it.”