The administrations of former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump repeatedly asked SpaceX to switch its Starlink satellite service on or off in different countries, according to six former senior US officials. The requests show how deeply the US government relies on Elon Musk’s company for military communications and foreign policy goals.
The requests included efforts to block Iranian-backed groups in Yemen and Lebanon from using Starlink. US officials also sought to activate the service in Iran and Ukraine to support internet access and communications, four former officials told Reuters.
More recently, Trump administration officials asked Musk to make Starlink available in Iran after US and Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026. They hoped the service could help anti-government protesters gain internet access, according to a former senior Trump official and another person familiar with the matter.
The sources spoke anonymously because the requests had not previously been reported. Their accounts come as restrictions on Ukraine’s access to SpaceX’s military satellite system have raised fresh questions about the company’s role in US security policy.
US Requests Spanned Several Countries
During Biden’s presidency, US officials asked SpaceX to disable Starlink access to prevent Iranian proxy groups in Yemen and Lebanon from using the service to communicate. Officials also sought to activate Starlink in Iran and Ukraine, according to former officials familiar with the discussions.
These requests placed SpaceX at the center of decisions involving conflict zones, internet access, and military support.
Starlink uses a network of satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet connections in places where traditional networks may be limited or damaged. Its reach has made it an important tool for both civilian users and military forces.
The US government’s reliance on the service has grown as SpaceX has expanded its satellite network. However, the company remains privately owned, giving its leadership a significant role in decisions about how its systems are used.
The recent dispute over Ukraine has highlighted the risks that can arise when a private company provides technology that a country and its allies depend on.
Ukraine Reports Military Communication Problems
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said last week that access to Starshield, SpaceX’s military-focused satellite system, had been deliberately limited. He said the restrictions affected the performance of Ukrainian military drones.
Ukraine also reported reduced Starlink speeds. The country relies on the service for some military communications, including links used in defence against Russian missile attacks.
Reuters previously reported that the order to limit Starshield access came from within the White House. The Trump administration has acknowledged the slowdown but has not confirmed whether it issued the order.
On Friday, Trump said he had not discussed Ukraine’s Starlink access problems with Musk. He added that he would address the matter if there were a problem.
A spokesperson for the Ukrainian embassy in Washington said restoring normal service as soon as possible was a priority because lives depended on it.
SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment. Musk said on social media that Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. He added that decisions on speed or usage limits are made by the US military and ultimately the president.
Concerns Over Private Control
The repeated requests to Musk have raised concerns about the close relationship between the US government and SpaceX. The company provides communications systems used by the US military and its allies.
Democratic Representative Jason Crow called for more clarity about the recent changes to Ukraine’s service. He warned that dependence on a private company could create risks for US national security.
Crow said unelected business leaders and private companies should not decide what is best for America’s security.
The debate also reflects broader questions about how governments should manage critical technology. When a private company controls a system used during a war, changes to access can have direct effects on military operations and civilian safety.
The US government can make requests and set terms for systems it controls, but the division of authority between government agencies and private providers remains important. Clear rules can help establish who makes decisions and who is accountable when access changes.
Europe Looks for Alternatives
The restrictions on Ukraine’s satellite communications have also caused concern among European officials. Some argue that Europe needs to develop its own military satellite systems to reduce its dependence on SpaceX.
At present, officials say there is no short-term alternative that can fully match Starlink’s capabilities for Ukraine.
Starlink has become a key part of communication between Ukrainian military units along the front line. Its satellite links help units share information across areas where networks may be damaged or exposed to interference.
Starshield equipment is also used on Ukrainian drones. These systems can help guide drones and maintain links with remote pilots, including during missions deep inside Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine.
The latest revelations show that Starlink access has become more than a technical issue. It is now part of wider debates over military planning, international policy, and the influence of private technology firms.
As the US and its allies continue to rely on satellite communications, questions over control, access, and accountability are likely to remain central to future security discussions.
