US Governments Leveraged Elon Musk's SpaceX for Foreign Policy Goals
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
A Reuters investigation reveals that the U.S. governments under Presidents Biden and Trump used Elon Musk's SpaceX to advance foreign policy, including disabling satellite internet terminals used by Hezbollah and the Houthis. Washington also sought to enable Starlink for protesters in Iran and Ukraine. Musk stated that U.S. government directives control Starshield system restrictions, while U.S. officials and European entities express concern over private companies influencing national security decisions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- US governments asked SpaceX to disable satellite internet terminals used by Hezbollah and Houthis.
- SpaceX was also asked to enable internet for protesters in Iran and Ukraine.
- U.S. intelligence warned that Iran-backed groups acquired Starlink terminals through intermediaries.
- President Zelensky claimed intentional limitations on Ukraine's Starshield military network.
- Elon Musk stated U.S. government directives control Starshield system restrictions.
- Concerns are raised about unelected billionaires and private corporations influencing U.S. national security.
A Reuters investigation reveals that both the Biden and Trump administrations repeatedly approached Elon Musk's SpaceX, demanding the activation or restriction of its satellite internet services in conflict zones. The report, based on testimonies from six former senior U.S. officials, details requests to disable communication terminals seized by Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, as well as to enable the service for anti-regime protesters in Iran. These instances highlight Washington's reliance on a private company to advance its foreign policy objectives.
During the Biden administration, U.S. intelligence provided SpaceX with information that Iran-backed groups had acquired Starlink terminals through intermediaries. In October 2023, amid Israeli-Hezbollah clashes, U.S. intelligence warned that individuals linked to the Lebanese terror group had gained access to terminals. A similar concern arose in 2024 regarding the Houthis in Yemen, following U.S. airstrikes. In both cases, the administration demanded SpaceX locate and disconnect these devices, and at least some were indeed deactivated.
Concurrently, Washington sought to expand satellite services for allies and opposition groups. The Biden administration facilitated the activation of Starlink in Iran during the September 2022 protests and even assisted in smuggling terminals into the country. According to a former Trump administration official, the current administration also approached Musk to activate the network in Iran following U.S.-led strikes in June 2025 and February 2026, aiming to allow regime opponents to communicate freely.
These revelations emerge amid tensions over disruptions to Ukraine's Starshield military network. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently claimed that access to the system, used for drone and missile guidance and critical frontline communication, was intentionally limited and connection speeds were slowed. Reuters reported that the order to restrict service came from the White House, though former President Trump denied discussing the matter with Musk and pledged to resolve the issue.
Musk himself deflected responsibility, stating on social media that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the U.S. government, with any restrictions determined by the U.S. military and ultimately the President. His involvement in U.S. national security raises concerns in Congress and Europe. "Unelected billionaires and private corporations should not be making decisions about what serves America's security interests," stated Democratic House Member Jason Crow. Meanwhile, European entities have begun promoting the development of independent military satellite communication systems due to the dependence on SpaceX technology and the current lack of alternatives.
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