“He’s Malfunctioning”: Elon Musk Becomes A Meme At Presidential Inauguration Over “Mars” Mention

Humanity may soon become a space-conquering race—at least according to President Trump and Elon Musk.

In what’s sure to be one of the most talked about segments of Trump’s inauguration speech, the Head of State vowed to “plant the stars and straps on the planet Mars” and expand the nation’s territory.

“We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars,” Trump said, receiving an enthusiastic gesture of approval by the SpaceX CEO, who threw his hands up in the air as the audience applauded, instantly becoming a meme on social media.

“Ambition is the lifeblood of a great nation,” the President continued, referencing the historic belief that the US was destined to expand across North America, and promising to push the boundaries of space exploration.

President Trump’s promise to plant the US flag on Martian soil caused Elon Musk to excitedly applaud, instantly becoming a meme online

Elon Musk at a presidential inauguration, sparking memes with a mention of Mars, standing in a suit.

Image credits: Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images

Trump’s pledge to send astronauts to the red planet is not new, but builds upon the groundwork laid during his previous administration. 

In a somewhat controversial move at the time, the President created the “Space Force” in 2019, a military branch intended to protect the interest of the United States in space, working towards dominance in an increasingly competitive frontier.

Elon Musk at presidential inauguration event, looking upwards, wearing a suit and tie.

Image credits: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Among the responsibilities of the Space Force is the safeguard of US satellite infrastructure, as well as working closely with both NASA and Musk’s SpaceX on a variety of programs and projects designed to promote space exploration.

Elon Musk at a presidential event reacting humorously during a Mars mention, surrounded by attendees.

Image credits: cb_doge

Trump’s ambitious pledge was met with excitement by the audience, specially Elon Musk, who jumped and applauded excitedly, his reaction instantly becoming a meme on social media. 

The happiness in Musk’s face contrasted hilariously with Barron Trump’s who was seated in front, and looked remarkably unamused—Mars being the last thing on his mind after the long ceremony.

While some netizens celebrated Trump’s promise, others felt conquering Mars shouldn’t be a priority

Elon Musk giving thumbs up at presidential inauguration, Mars mention becomes meme moment.

Image credits: OliLondonTV

Netizens reacted to the promise with mixed emotions. Some felt just as excited as Musk, their imagination going wild with the possibilities that space exploration might offer.

“The sheer joy on Musk’s face is contagious,” another stated. “Honestly, excited for him to stand there and watch decades of his work be validated in such a way.”

For Musk, the colonization of Mars is “crucial for humanity’s future” as, according to him,” the red planet could become a “backup” in case Earth faces a catastrophic event.

Elon Musk becomes meme at inauguration, text reads "meme computing" in humorous context.

Image credits: Infoears190565

Trump’s words also served as a show of trust and an underscoring of the close ties between the private space industry and the US government, an alliance that has more than one netizen “uneasy.”

Others, however, were much more skeptical about the prospect, pointing out that taking care of Earth should come first before trying to expand into other, inhospitable, planets.

Elon Musk at U.S. Capitol event, looking upwards, with caption about Mars, sparking meme reactions.

Image credits: iam_smx

Donald Trump says we will “plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars” and Elon Musk weirdly claps and gives a thumbs up.

$100 bucks says we don’t plant the flag on Mars during Trump’s presidency. pic.twitter.com/AUTvUfGmLu

— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) January 20, 2025

“A meme is born.” Elon Musk’s genuine excitement at the prospect of landing on Mars endeared him to his fans, providing plenty of meme material

Tweet by user Sarcaticus expressing affection for Elon Musk during a discussion about Mars.

Image credits: Sarcaticus

Tweet about Elon Musk's humor and awkwardness highlighted during a presidential inauguration.

Image credits: ModernFed

Screenshot of a tweet about Elon Musk and Mars, with laughing emojis.

Image credits: VasBroughtToX

Tweet reacting enthusiastically to Elon Musk becoming a meme at a presidential inauguration with fire emojis.

Image credits: Red_Atlantic975

Tweet from Veritas Virtus about happiness, highlighting Elon Musk becoming a meme with Mars mention.

Image credits: FakesMsm

Tweet referencing Elon Musk meme over Mars mention at inauguration, posted by @1NationUnderXRP with laughing emoji.

Image credits: 1NationUnderXRP

Tweet about Elon Musk humorously compared to a big kid, with emojis and engagement details.

Image credits: Ej_2222

Tweet reacting to Elon Musk's Mars mention at a presidential inauguration, wondering about its potential meme status.

Image credits: liannahuntdc

Elon Musk reactions meme at presidential event, with tweet text: "His reactions... so delightful at times.

Image credits: Jmstgold

Tweet by Alejandro Alain mentioning a meme creation, with "Mars" and "Elon Musk" keywords.

Image credits: AleAlign

Tweet screenshot humorously discussing Elon Musk's excitement compared to a puppy during the inauguration.

Image credits: Fruitomyloins

Tweet about Elon Musk malfunctioning, mentioning a patch, with 19 likes and a reply option.

Image credits: 0megalvl3vent

Tweet by Bridget Phetasy saying “He’s trippin’!”, related to Elon Musk meme and Mars mention.

Image credits: BridgetPhetasy

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