Pressure mounts on Trump administration over Starlink slowdown

U.S. lawmakers have called on Elon Musk to explain why Starlink internet service to Ukrainian forces remains limited. In a letter sent on October 23, Democratic Representatives Gregory Meeks and Peter Welch, along with fellow lawmakers, asked the SpaceX CEO five questions about the restrictions impacting Ukraine. The lawmakers noted that as a publicly traded company, SpaceX must disclose material events that could affect its business model, including the impact of restrictions on corporate governance and geopolitical exposure.

Starlink, now known as Starshield, has been operating at reduced capacity since mid-October, limiting Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian attacks and coordinate strikes. More than 300 Ukrainian civilians were killed and 2,000 injured by Russian drone and missile strikes last month. Despite efforts to resolve the disruptions, no one has publicly claimed responsibility.

However, Trump administration officials have blamed SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on October 23 that the speed restrictions for Starlink and Starshield remain in place.