Elon Musk says Donald Trump controls Starshield satellite limits in Ukraine

SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk said on Wednesday that any disruptions or speed limits on the Starshield satellite communications system in Ukraine are the responsibility of the United States government. As Euronews, the South China Morning Post, and the Washington Examiner reported, Musk stated on X that the system is owned and controlled by the United States military, with final authority resting with President Donald Trump. [1][2][3][5]

Euronews reported that Ukraine's former defence minister called for the removal of speed limits on the network to strengthen the country's defence. The Washington Examiner noted that Starshield is the military version of SpaceX's Starlink satellite network and has been used by Ukrainian forces to defend against Russia. [1][3]

Starshield is a division of SpaceX that creates low-Earth-orbit satellites designed to provide military space capabilities to United States and allied governments. The platform was adapted from the Starlink global communications network but includes additional capabilities such as target tracking, reconnaissance, and early missile warning. As FTMQ News reported earlier, unannounced speed restrictions placed on Starlink terminals had previously disrupted Ukrainian military operations and drone missions along the front line. [12][14]

The statements from Musk follow wider public outcry over satellite limits. CNBC, Al Jazeera, and the BBC also reported on Musk's comments attributing the operational restrictions to decisions made by the United States military and the presidency. [5][8][10]