In a surprising twist that sounds like something out of a sci-fi script, Star Trek legend William Shatner is rallying behind Pluto — and he wants none other than former President Donald Trump to help bring the icy world back into the planetary spotlight.
Yes, really.
Captain Kirk Goes Cosmic — and Political
William Shatner, best known for commanding the USS Enterprise as Captain Kirk, has taken an unexpected political turn.
At 94 years old, he’s now weighing in on the great Pluto debate — and blasting the scientific community while he’s at it.
The actor hopped on X (formerly Twitter) and called the International Astronomical Union (IAU) a bunch of “idiots” for booting Pluto from the official planet club back in 2006.
For context, Pluto had been considered a planet since its discovery in 1930, before the IAU demoted it to “dwarf planet” status — a move that still rubs a lot of people the wrong way.
Shatner’s frustrations were sparked by news of astronomers possibly spotting a massive mystery object way out in the solar system — something some scientists are calling a potential “Planet Nine.”
But even that planet hasn’t been confirmed to exist yet.
Shatner Says It’s Time for Trump to Act
So what does Trump have to do with all of this?
Shatner argued that if Trump can rename a Gulf, then surely he can override scientists and make Pluto a planet again.
“The astronomer who discovered Pluto was American,” Shatner wrote.
“Seems like America has jurisdiction on things outside its borders.”
In other words, he’s saying — half seriously, half not — that Trump could sign an executive order and “Make Pluto Great Again.”
From Climate Change to Cosmic Politics
Here’s what makes this all the more unexpected: Shatner has long supported progressive issues like climate action and Canada’s universal healthcare system.
So this sudden lean into MAGA territory and calls for Trump to intervene in science? It caught a lot of people off guard.
He’s also been