‘I don’t even know if Starlink is a horse anymore’: Former exec reveals how Musk-Trump feud could destroy global satellite empire

Elon Musk’s recent online dispute with President Donald Trump could potentially threaten Starlink’s global expansion, which has seen significant growth under the current administration. The satellite broadband company currently operates in 130 countries, with many nations granting approvals partly due to White House support.

The company’s rapid expansion has been notably aided by the State Department’s diplomatic efforts, with countries like Vietnam, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa recently easing regulations or granting licenses. India became the latest nation to approve Starlink’s operations just last Friday.

“When trade officials or when governments sit down for negotiations, you think about what horses you have to trade,” said a former Starlink executive, as reported by Politico. “I don’t even know if Starlink is a horse anymore,” they added, highlighting concerns about the company’s future negotiating power.

State Department’s unusual approach to supporting Starlink raises questions

The State Department’s support for Starlink has gone beyond conventional diplomatic assistance. According to telecommunications expert Blair Levin, the department has unusually incorporated White House tariff policy into discussions, creating potential complications as Musk’s relationship with the administration deteriorates. This was evident in Lesotho’s case, where the African nation granted Starlink a license while seeking relief from 50 percent tariffs imposed by Trump.

Satellite policy expert Ruth Pritchard-Kelly suggests that if Musk remains at odds with Trump, it could make Starlink a liability for countries seeking good relations with the United States. The situation could lead to various obstacles for the company, including slower approvals and reduced consideration in federal policy discussions.

The conflict might also accelerate other countries’ efforts to develop their own satellite systems. European Parliament lawmakers have already requested 60 billion euros for space initiatives, including the EU’s IRIS2 satellite communications network. However, analyst Tim Farrar notes that it would take years for rival services to match Starlink’s current constellation of over 7,000 satellites.

Despite these challenges, Starlink remains the dominant player in satellite internet services with its constellation of over 7,000 satellites, though industry analysts note that maintaining this position will require navigating increasingly complex political dynamics both domestically and internationally. The State Department maintains its position of promoting U.S. satellite interests over Chinese competitors, with a spokesperson stating that “any patriotic American should want to see an American company’s success on the global stage, especially over compromised Chinese competitors.”