Recent reports indicate that Trump administration officials have been advocating for foreign nations to approve Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet services in a bid to influence trade negotiations. Internal government documents reveal that the State Department has been urging countries to clear regulatory pathways for Musk's company with the understanding that favorable trade deals could emerge as a result. Particularly noted is the case of India, where expedited approvals for Starlink were perceived as beneficial for bilateral trade discussions.
The documents do not show that the Trump team has explicitly demanded favors for Starlink in exchange for lower tariffs, but they indicate increasing pressure.
The Washington Post reported that U.S. embassies and the State Department have pushed nations to clear hurdles for U.S. satellite companies, particularly Starlink.
Ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and India have seen officials expedite Starlink approvals, with a mutual understanding that it could benefit trade deals.
Critics questioned whether Musk's actions had violated the Logan Act, reflecting concerns over conflicts of interest involving his proximity to the White House.
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