Legendary actor William Shatner has made headlines with a surprising request directed at President Donald Trump.
In a startling blend of pop culture and politics, William Shatner, famed for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, has publicly called on President Donald Trump to restore Pluto's status as the ninth planet, while aligning himself with conservative views on executive authority in scientific matters, Daily Mail reported.
Shatner, now 94 years old, voiced his discontent with the scientific community's decision to downgrade Pluto in 2006.
The actor, who has historically backed progressive initiatives such as climate change action and Canada's healthcare system, appears to have taken a rightward turn recently. This shift includes support for Trump's ability to influence matters traditionally outside political reach, such as renaming geographical or celestial entities.
On Thursday, Shatner engaged in heated discussions with fans on the social media platform X, passionately advocating for Pluto's reinstatement.
He even proposed that entrepreneur Elon Musk, whom he dubbed a close ally, should persuade Trump to issue an executive order on this issue. Shatner referenced Musk's past support, noting a 2021 post on X where Musk declared, "Pluto is a planet. Fight me."
Despite this newfound alignment with conservative viewpoints, Shatner has also expressed criticism of Trump, particularly over reported attempts to acquire Canada, his homeland.
In his online exchanges, Shatner did not hold back, describing the scientists responsible for astronomical classifications as a group of overreaching individuals.
In a particularly pointed remark on X, Shatner stated, He renamed a Gulf and the Astronomer who discovered Pluto was American. Seems like America has jurisdiction on things outside its borders. His frustration stems from the International Astronomical Union's 2006 ruling that stripped Pluto of its planetary title, a decision made after recognizing it as the ninth planet since 1930.
Shatner is not alone in this fight, as former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, who served from 2018 to 2021, has also championed Pluto's cause, citing its unique features like oceans and moons. Bridenstine, speaking at the University of Colorado Boulder in 2019, challenged the Union's vague criteria for defining a planet.
Meanwhile, Shatner's friend, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York, staunchly supports Pluto's demotion, highlighting its distinction from other celestial bodies in his writings.
The debate is set to intensify, with Shatner and Tyson scheduled to face off in a one-night event in Seattle this June to discuss Pluto's fate. Adding to the cosmic intrigue, astronomers have speculated about a mysterious mass far beyond Pluto, potentially a new planetary body, though its existence remains unconfirmed.
The intertwining of celebrity influence, political power, and scientific discourse continues to captivate public attention, with Shatner's plea to Trump marking a unique moment in this ongoing saga.
Reflecting on broader political landscapes, Shatner admitted bewilderment over recent electoral outcomes during a 2024 podcast with host Bill Maher. His vocal stance on Pluto, combined with a shift toward conservative rhetoric, mirrors a similar trend seen in Tyson, who recently faced criticism from progressive circles for certain social media posts. The actor's latest comments have sparked curiosity, and efforts to reach him for further clarification are underway by various outlets.
As this story unfolds, Bridenstine's past assertion of Pluto's status during Trump's first term adds a layer of historical context to Shatner's current campaign. The intersection of Hollywood, science, and politics remains a focal point, with figures like Musk and Shatner leveraging their platforms to sway opinion.
Whether Trump will respond to this unusual request or if Pluto will reclaim its place among the planets remains to be seen, but the conversation has undoubtedly been reignited with fervor.
