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By Joe Edwards
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A comment by White House science adviser Michael Kratsios has gone viral after a speech in which he claimed U.S. technology can "manipulate time and space," prompting online speculation.
Why It Matters
The viral interpretation of Kratsios's comment reflects the growing impact of social media in framing public understanding of government messaging.
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While the White House has not issued a formal clarification, the speech's wording suggests the phrase was metaphorical—intended to refer to the transformative nature of modern innovation, not literal manipulation of space-time, or the invention of time travel.
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What To Know
Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, made the remark during a policy address at the Endless Frontiers Retreat in Austin, Texas on April 14.
"Our technologies permit us to manipulate time and space. They leave distance annihilated, cause things to grow, and improve productivity," Kratsios said during prepared remarks published on the official White House website.
While the statement was likely intended as aspirational language about technological progress, it has since circulated widely online, with some interpreting the comment literally.
In the speech, Kratsios emphasized the importance of American leadership in emerging technologies and criticized regulatory burdens that, in his view, had slowed progress. "We have weighed down our builders and innovators," he said. "But we are capable of so much more."
Kratsios' remarks were made just weeks after his confirmation as the administration's chief science official. Speaking in Texas, he described the Trump administration's technology agenda as one focused on reducing bureaucratic constraints, boosting research and development, and enabling American companies to lead globally.
The quote about manipulating time and space appeared alongside references to artificial intelligence, aerospace and productivity tools. In context, Kratsios invoked "the choice of individuals to craft new technologies and give themselves to scientific discoveries that will bend time and space," and "make more with less."
What People Are Saying
The phrase became a flashpoint online after the White House posted the transcript.
One commenter asked: "Sir, what did you mean by 'technologies that allow us to manipulate time and space' and 'limitless energy'?"
"Please elaborate on manipulating time and space," asked another.
"WTF?!?," read another post, which highlighted the line in Kratsios' speech alluding to manipulating time and space, which had more than 3.9 million views at the time of writing.
What Happens Next
Newsweek contacted Kratsios for further comment via email on Thursday.
With the U.S. preparing for its 250th anniversary in 2026, Kratsios's speech is one of several recent efforts by the Trump administration to spotlight a so-called "Golden Age of American Innovation."
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