US is pushing Starlink on nations facing tariffs as Musk stands to benefit from trade deals: report

The Trump administration is urging countries hit with significant tariffs to embrace Elon Musk ’s Starlink satellite system, according to The Washington Post.

Two weeks after President Donald Trump declared 50 percent duties on goods coming from the tiny African nation of Lesotho , its The communications regulator had a meeting with individuals from Starlink. which SpaceX owns.

Starlink has been aiming to gain entry to customers within the nation. However, the firm received a 10-year internet service license in Lesotho following Trump’s announcement of the tariffs and his call for trade talks.

"As the Lesotho government engages in negotiations for a trade agreement with the United States, they hope that granting a license to Starlink shows their positive disposition and readiness to embrace U.S. enterprises," stated in an internal document. State Department memo said, according to The Post.

In March, Musk's firm inked distribution deals with two Indian service providers, and some level of accommodation has been granted here as well. Somalia , the Democratic Republic of Congo , Bangladesh , Pakistan , and Vietnam .

The publication acquired several internal government communications that detail how US embassies and the State Department have encouraged nations to eliminate barriers for American satellite firms, frequently citing Starlink specifically.

However, the papers fail to demonstrate that the White House has been requesting favours from the satellite firm in return for reducing tariffs. They propose that the Secretary of State should handle this matter. Marco Rubio has told officials that they should urge countries to enact regulatory approvals for the satellite company. This comes as the White House is arguing for trade talks.

The Biden administration also urged embassies to adopt Starlink and other satellite internet services, cables obtained by The Post reveal.

However, no deals have been struck since the Trump tariffs were announced.

Even so, Indian officials have fast-tracked Starlink approvals with the idea that it would help them get trade deals with the U.S.

“It’s not likely to be an explicit element of the trade negotiations with the U.S., but the Indian side sees this as an important lubricant that facilitates a deal,” one person briefed by Indian leadership told The Post.

The State Department told the paper in a statement that “Starlink is an American-made product that has been game-changing in helping remote areas around the world gain internet connectivity. Any patriotic American should want to see an American company’s success on the global stage, especially over compromised Chinese competitors.”

"The sole focus of the Trump administration's trade talks with other nations is what benefits the American people — this encompasses U.S. businesses thriving both domestically and internationally," stated White House spokesperson Kush Desai. The Post. President Trump will not accept any conflicts of interest, and all administration officials are adhering to ethical standards established by their individual agencies.

Nevertheless, several specialists consulted by the newspaper argued that these measures are sensible as the U.S. competes with China In the realm of global telecommunications, Starlink stands as the leading player in satellite internet services not only within the United States but also internationally.

The senior fellow at Foundation for American Innovation, Evan Swarztrauber, stated The Post, When Elon's name is linked to something, it evokes various emotions. However, if he wasn't the head of SpaceX, I doubt many people would object to the U.S. government supporting American businesses in gaining entry into global markets.

He added: “We want American satellite companies to do well abroad, especially as our main competition is China. The U.S. has a lead in space, and we should double down on getting other countries to grant regulatory approvals for our companies. Otherwise, it will be Chinese companies that benefit from market access.”

Independent readers are independently-minded global citizens. They are not defined by traditional demographics or profiles, but by their attitudes. In today’s increasingly fragmented world, communities value real facts and frank opinions delivered first-hand from a non-biased news brand that they can trust. Armed with information and inspiration, Independent readers are empowered and equipped to take a stand for the things they believe in.