Ivanka Trump, who once described being an astronaut as her “dream job,” is now being considered as a top potential candidate for space travel as celebrity space tourism gains momentum.
The First Daughter’s otherworldly ambitions first became public in September 2018, when she toured NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and spoke via video call to astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
“I think I can speak for all of us here to say you inspire us all. You actually have my dream job,” Ivanka Trump told the Expedition 56 crew during her visit. “I always wanted to be an astronaut, and I always wanted to go to space. You are fulfilling my dream up there.”
During that visit, accompanied by Texas Senator Ted Cruz and astronaut Nicole Mann, Trump explored a mock-up of the International Space Station, examined spacesuits, and interacted with students participating in NASA-guided robotics competitions. She also met with Holly Ridings, who had just been appointed as NASA’s first female chief flight director.
“Dream realized!” Trump tweeted at the time, along with a video of her tour of the ISS mock-up. Her enthusiasm was evident as she was photographed high-fiving a space suit and posing outside the door of the simulated space station.
What seemed like a diplomatic visit showcasing childhood dreams in 2018 has now evolved into speculation about Trump potentially joining the growing ranks of celebrities venturing into space through commercial providers. Following pop star Katy Perry’s recent flight on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket, industry observers are identifying other high-profile figures who might soon make similar journeys.
Ivanka Trump is reportedly considered “one of the more likely candidates to go to space due to her links to Elon Musk and NASA,” according to recent reports.
During his first term, President Donald Trump made several significant space policy decisions, including directing NASA to focus on returning to the moon, proposing the creation of a Space Force, and expressing ambitions for human missions to Mars. At his second inauguration in January 2025, President Trump reiterated his commitment to fulfilling America’s “destiny into the stars.”
If Ivanka Trump were to pursue space travel, she would join a growing list of celebrities and wealthy individuals paying premium prices for brief journeys beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Blue Origin reportedly charges $150,000 merely to reserve a seat, with total costs potentially reaching $475,000 per passenger.
The commercialization of space travel has accelerated rapidly since Trump’s 2018 NASA visit. With companies like Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic now offering seats to private citizens, what once seemed like a childhood fantasy may now be within reach for those with connection like Ivanka.
For now, no official announcement has been made regarding any planned space journey for the former presidential advisor. However, as the barriers to space continue to lower for non-professional astronauts, Trump’s expressed dream of going to space appears increasingly feasible.