State Department reportedly pressures nations hit by tariffs to adopt Elon Musk’s Starlink service

The State Department, led by Under Secretary Marco Rubio, is seen as catering to Elon Musk’s business interests under his leadership. Rubio has been overseeing the dismantling of key agencies and offices, impacting the department’s missions globally. According to a report by The Washington Post, the State Department has initiated a project to promote Musk’s Starlink internet service to foreign nations, potentially as a way to gain favor amid trade disputes with the U.S.

The Post obtained a memo indicating that Lesotho, a country seeking tariff relief, granted access to Starlink in hopes of strengthening trade relations with the U.S. While there is no explicit demand for favoring Starlink in exchange for tariff reductions, internal documents show efforts by U.S. embassies and the State Department to facilitate deals for U.S. satellite companies, including Starlink.

The report highlights how the administration, led by Rubio, has been advocating for regulatory approvals for Musk’s satellite firm, particularly during trade negotiations. The State Department’s promotion of Starlink raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially considering Musk’s significant ties to the current administration.

The approach by the conservative movement, which previously criticized ethical issues related to influence peddling, is now seen as favoring Musk’s business interests. The State Department’s active promotion of Starlink to foreign countries, despite concerns about the service’s quality, suggests a preference for Musk’s company over others. This shift in strategy has sparked criticism, particularly among Republicans who are reluctant to address the apparent conflicts of interest within their own ranks.