Starlink Benefits from Trump-Era Tariffs, Leaked Memos Reveal

Starlink's Tariff Advantage: Leaked Memos Raise Questions

Leaked State Department memos obtained by The Washington Post reveal that SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service may have benefited from the Trump administration's trade tariffs.

The memos indicate the U.S. government encouraged other countries to adopt Starlink. Some countries believed that adopting Starlink could improve their trade negotiations with the U.S. The Washington Post highlights one memo concerning Lesotho, a small African nation subject to a 50% U.S. tariff. This memo directly links Lesotho's new 10-year Starlink deal with trade considerations.

Potential Conflicts of Interest?

Elon Musk, SpaceX's CEO, served as an advisor to the Trump administration. While a White House spokesperson denied any conflict of interest to The Washington Post, the situation raises questions. The State Department defended its promotion of Starlink deals, citing competition with China and describing such efforts as "patriotic."

SpaceX has not yet commented on the matter.