Stephen Hawking fears he may not be welcome in US, also plans trip to space

Stephen Hawking.  (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Breakthrough Prize Foundation)

Credit: Bryan Bedder

Credit: Bryan Bedder

Stephen Hawking. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Breakthrough Prize Foundation)

British physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking thinks he might not be welcome in the United States because of his criticism of President Donald Trump, and also said in an interview Monday that he is planning a voyage to space.

"Trump was elected by people who felt disenfranchised by the governing elite and a revolt against globalization. His priority will be to satisfy this electorate who are neither liberal nor that well informed," he said in an interview with "Good Morning Britain."

"The reaction to the election of Donald Trump may have been overdone, but it represents a definite swing to a right-wing, more authoritarian approach," he said.

Hawking has also been critical of the Trump administration's dealings with science, particularly climate change, saying the president should fire Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, according to ITV.

"Climate change is one of the great dangers we face, and it’s one we can prevent," he said.

Hawking, who was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 1963, is also planning a trip to space after he was offered a seat aboard billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic.

"I said yes immediately,” Hawking said. “Since that day, I have never changed my mind."

“Three children have brought me great joy, and I can tell you what will make me happy: to travel in space.”