The global impact of Trump vs. Musk

Elon Musk’s satellite broadband company Starlink has reaped massive gains since he became “first buddy” to Trump. Numerous countries have cut red tape to approve Starlink this year, some reportedly under pressure from Trump’s State Department. In some cases, countries appeared to be giving Starlink a green light in order to ingratiate themselves with the White House. Now, Musk’s feud with President Donald Trump raises the question of how Starlink will fare in future negotiations. Will countries feel the need to let it in? Will President Trump go to bat for the company? “Starlink has already received market access in the easiest countries and the mid-tier countries,” he said. “What’s left is the hard countries. That’s where the State Department gets involved.” Blair Levin said he has seen an unconventional element in the State Department’s discussions over Starlink: They’re tying in the White House’s tariff policy as well.