Retired astronaut Mark Kelly on Wednesday said that President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE should be willing to take responsibility for tens of thousands of gun deaths across the United States in 2017 after the president took credit for commercial aviation seeing its safest year on record.

In a tweet, Kelly said that the Transportation Department, the Federal Aviation Administration, NASA and commercial airlines were largely responsible for the industry's safety record in 2017.

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"Actually, it's USDOT, FAANews, & NASA —and especially the airlines— who deserve credit for this," Kelly tweeted. "But, if you're going to take credit for zero airline deaths in 2017 then you should take responsibility for the tens of thousands of gun deaths, too."

Actually, it's @USDOT, @FAANews, & @NASA —and especially the airlines— who deserve credit for this. But, if you're going to take credit for zero airline deaths in 2017 then you should take responsibility for the tens of thousands of gun deaths, too. #lawsmatter https://t.co/vnSPBo76LF — Mark Kelly (@ShuttleCDRKelly) January 2, 2018

Kelly's comment came hours after Trump boasted that he had been "very strict" on commercial aviation since taking office, though he did not elaborate on what steps he took to improve airline safety.

Kelly is a staunch advocate for tightening gun control. His wife, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), was shot and critically injured in 2011. The couple has vocally supported tougher gun laws.