The Trump administration issued a sweeping executive order on Dec. 18 that enshrines a U.S. goal to return humans to the moon by 2028 and cancels the White House space council. The order centralizes national space policy under the President's chief science advisor and directs steps to defend space from weapon threats. Officials say the changes are intended to accelerate lunar mission planning and elevate space security.
Trump Sets 2028 Moon-Return Goal, Cancels Space Council in Sweeping Executive Order
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce that the Space Force Command will move from Colorado to Alabama, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 2, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Thursday enshrined a U.S. target to return humans to the moon by 2028 and issued a sweeping executive order that reorganized national space policy under the President's chief science advisor.
The order directs steps to defend U.S. interests in space from weapon threats and centralizes oversight of space policy. It also cancels the existing White House space council structure and transfers key authorities to the President's chief science advisor as part of an effort to accelerate lunar mission planning and elevate space security.
What This Means
Supporters say the move aims to streamline decision-making and speed preparations for crewed lunar missions, while prioritizing defenses against potential space-based threats. The reorganization could affect coordination between civil space agencies, the military and private-sector partners as officials implement the new policy framework.
Reporting by Joey Roulette
