Trump insists on keeping Starlink at the White House despite Musk's controversies
- President Donald Trump confirmed continued operational use of Starlink at the White House despite tensions with Musk.
- Starlink is a vital service for the U.S. government, with federal contracts indicating significant financial commitments.
- The government's dependency on Starlink poses challenges for alternative internet providers competing in the market.
On June 10, 2025, President Donald Trump confirmed that he would continue using Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX, at the White House. This announcement comes on the heels of a reported rift between Trump and Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, over various issues, including a series of government contracts that secure the technology's use in federal operations. Starlink is instrumental for the U.S. government, especially due to its quick internet access capabilities that do not rely on traditional infrastructures like fiber optics or cellular towers. In the wake of previous threats to cut government contracts with Musk's companies, Trump emphasized his satisfaction with the Starlink service. He noted that while he might adjust his use of Tesla vehicles, he would not sever ties with Starlink, which he referred to as 'a good service.' The government, including agencies like the Department of Defense, has heavily relied on Starlink, which has been critical for communication and operational activities, especially in remote regions where conventional internet services are lacking. The total financial engagement of the U.S. government with SpaceX for Starlink contracts was reported to be approximately $4.1 million in 2022, with reduced amounts in subsequent years. This indicates a strategic move by the government to maintain essential technological services amidst ongoing discussions and hesitation regarding Musk’s business operations. In past dealings, Musk played a significant role in advocating for the application of Starlink technologies in various government sectors during his time as a senior adviser in the Trump administration. His influence led several federal agencies to consider the advantages of satellite internet access, especially in cases where traditional methods failed or were inefficient. The Federal Aviation Administration has also initiated trials with Starlink at select sites to explore its capabilities further. Experts suggest that the government’s reliance on Starlink could pose challenges to shifting to alternative service providers, as they currently struggle to match the service quality and speed that Starlink offers.