Trump "appropriated" the Moon

Trump "Appropriated" the Moon

US President Donald Trump claimed in a social media post that the Moon belongs to the United States.

"The Moon is ours," the post reads.

This image with the American flag depicts the Moon with the Earth visible in the background. According to "RIA Novosti", Jaymie Matthews, professor emeritus of astronomy at the University of British Columbia, said that anyone's claim to the Moon has no legal basis.

He emphasized that the Moon belongs to everyone, and even the US landing on the Moon does not give this country the right to claim the natural satellite.

"The Moon cannot belong to anyone. This is stated in the Outer Space Treaty," the professor explained.

It is noted that the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, was adopted by the UN General Assembly resolution on December 19, 1966. Currently, 118 countries have supported this document.

"Outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, shall be free for exploration and use by all States without discrimination of any kind, on a basis of equality and in accordance with international law," the agreement states.

Earlier, it was reported that Trump wants to name an object on the Moon after himself.