Trump, Ivanka to call record-breaking astronaut

President Trump plans on speaking with NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson when she makes history Monday as the American who has spent the most cumulative time in space, the White House said Wednesday.

Trump, who will be joined by his daughter Ivanka Trump and astronaut Kate Rubins, is set to speak with both Whitson and fellow astronaut Jack Fischer as they orbit Earth in the International Space Station (ISS).

“The President looks forward to personally congratulating her and NASA on this incredible accomplishment, and to thanking her and Fischer for their service to our country in the cause of exploration and discovery,” the White House said in a statement.

{mosads}The White House added Trump will congratulate Whitson before discussing life aboard the ISS during the scheduled 20-minute call from the Oval Office.

The call will also emphasize the importance of NASA’s mission and the value of science, technology, engineering and math education. Fischer and Whitson are 220 miles above Earth, the White House noted, providing the Education Department with a rare opportunity to highlight their work.

The department plans on offering teachers nationwide education tools for engaging students about the event, it added.

Whitson will have spent 535 days in space as of Monday, besting astronaut Jeffrey Williams’s current record. The 57-year-old biochemist has also performed eight spacewalks, the most of any woman, with a ninth venture possibly coming.