NEW DELHI: Successive United States administrations under former President Joe Biden and current President Donald Trump have repeatedly asked Elon Musk’s SpaceX to activate or restrict its Starlink satellite internet services across various nations, according to a report citing six former senior American officials. The requests reveal Washington’s mounting dependence on private technology companies to achieve core foreign policy and security goals. These interventions reportedly sought to support civilian internet access in Iran, bolster military communications in Ukraine, and disable satellite terminals to prevent Iran-backed militant groups in Yemen and Lebanon from using the network. The disclosures arrive at a time when the strategic influence of commercial satellite systems has come under sharp scrutiny globally.
White House Directives and Restrictions on Frontline Communications
The diplomatic and military reliance on SpaceX has predated the latest disruptions reported in Eastern Europe. According to four former officials, the Biden administration had asked the company to maintain vital communications for Ukrainian units while shutting down access for hostile militant factions. Later, following joint US-Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026, the Trump administration reportedly asked Musk to activate Starlink in Iran to ensure communications for anti-government protesters. However, recent restrictions on Ukrainian access have intensified alarm regarding private control over wartime communications. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that access to Starshield, the military-focused satellite system operated by SpaceX, had been deliberately curbed, directly impairing Ukrainian drone capabilities and reducing Starlink connection speeds along the front line.
Responding to the allegations, Musk clarified in a social media statement that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the United States government. He noted that operational decisions concerning speed curbs or usage restrictions rest entirely with the US military and ultimately with the American president. While earlier accounts indicated that the decision to limit Starshield capabilities originated within the White House, the Trump administration has confirmed the operational slowdown without explicitly acknowledging whether it issued the directive.
Battlefield Drone Capabilities Suffer from Connectivity Curbs
Ukrainian military operations remain deeply tied to Starlink connectivity for frontline coordination and remote drone strikes. Ukrainian defense personnel have repeatedly pointed out that no readily accessible commercial alternative can currently match the scale and performance of the SpaceX constellation. Specialized receivers mounted on military drones depend on the satellite network to maintain real-time links with operators and execute precision guidance deep behind Russian lines. The constellation’s demonstrated resilience against hostile radio-frequency jamming has made it indispensable in an environment dominated by intense electronic warfare, ensuring that any disruption immediately undermines coordination between fighting units.
Europe Considers Sovereign Alternatives to Commercial Satellite Infrastructure
The growing uncertainty over commercial satellite networks has forced European defense planners to reassess their reliance on privately owned infrastructure. Several European officials have argued that the continent must build an independent military satellite network to shield national defense from private corporate decisions. Yet, European governments face practical obstacles, as building and deploying a sovereign constellation capable of matching SpaceX’s reach will require substantial financial investment, multi-nation political coordination, and years of technological development. The situation underscores the difficult strategic position facing both Ukraine and European planners, who must navigate the unpredictable decisions of private technology providers during ongoing geopolitical crises.
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