Trump talks to NASA astronauts: ‘They make us all very proud’

President Trump spoke with two NASA astronauts upon their return to Earth this past weekend, the White House said Monday.

The president congratulated the astronauts — Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer — for their accomplishments after their stays at the International Space Station.

“They make us all very proud,” Trump said, according to a White House readout of the call.

“Exploration has always been at the core of who we are as Americans, and their brave contributions to human space flight have continued that great tradition.”

{mosads}Trump called Whitson an “inspiration to us all” after she set the U.S. record for the most days spent in space by an astronaut.

“Especially to young women interested in or currently pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” he said.

The pair returned to Earth on Saturday, according to NASA, which said that Whitson places eighth on the all-time space endurance list.

After 136 days in space for @Astro2fish & 288 days for @AstroPeggy, they’ve arrived back home to Houston: https://t.co/kGr0xn16Oj pic.twitter.com/fBqrTTY0LM

— NASA (@NASA) September 4, 2017

In April, Trump spoke with Whitson to congratulate her after she broke the previous U.S. record for cumulative days spent in space.

“I want to say that this is a very special day in the glorious history of American space flight,” the president said at the start of the call.

“Today, Commander Whitson, you have broken the record for the most total time spent in space by an American astronaut, 534 days and counting. That’s an incredible record to break and on behalf of our nation and frankly, on behalf of the world, I’d like to congratulate you.”

During that call, Trump also said he had great respect for the astronauts, adding it’s “amazing” what they do.