Starlink Benefits from Trump Tariffs, Leaked Memos Reveal

Starlink Benefits from U.S. Trade Policies

According to recently disclosed State Department documents acquired by the Washington Post, SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is experiencing a direct positive impact from the tariff-related trade disputes initiated during the Trump administration.

U.S. Promotion of Starlink Internationally

The leaked memos reveal active efforts by the United States to encourage nations to implement Starlink services. Evidence suggests some countries perceive adoption of the service as a potential facilitator in ongoing U.S. trade and tariff discussions.

Specifically, a memo concerning Lesotho, a small African nation subject to a 50% tariff imposed by the U.S., explicitly linked a new ten-year agreement with Starlink to improved trade relations, as reported by the Post.

Connections to Elon Musk and Administration Officials

Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, maintained a close advisory role to the Trump administration.

A White House spokesperson asserted to the Post that no conflict of interest exists. The State Department characterized the promotion of deals for a U.S.-based satellite company as a demonstration of “patriotic” behavior, particularly in the context of competition with China.