Elon Musk Beams as Trump Promises To 'Plant Stars and Stripes' on Mars After Taking Office

During the inauguration, President Trump promised to "plant stars and stripes" on Mars sometime in the next four years.

"We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars," Trump said.

The proclamation drew an exuberant response from billionaire Elon Musk, who appeared to give the statement two thumbs up to the statement.

Musk is the CEO of SpaceX, which designs, manufactures, and launches advanced spacecraft.

Musk and the president became close during the election campaign, with Musk spending upwards of $260 million in support of President Trump's campaign, CNN reported. Trump has also appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, an advisory committee that seeks to reduce government waste and lower expenditures.