WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said he would speak to Elon Musk if Ukraine continues to face problems with its military-grade Starlink communications service, amid reports that access to the Starshield platform remains disrupted.
“If there is a problem, I will get it straightened out,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I have not spoken to him. I might have to, but I have not. I’ve heard it was fixed, but if it’s not, I’ll speak to him.”
Ukraine said it was still experiencing difficulties with Starshield, the military-grade version of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system. Trump had said a day earlier that Musk had restored access.
Trump rejected suggestions that Musk holds excessive power over a communications system vital to Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion, now in its fifth year. “I don’t think he does,” the president said. “Elon will never do anything wrong. I know him very well, he is a fair person.”
Trump and Musk have had a complicated relationship. Musk led the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency in 2025 before falling out with the president, but the two have appeared to repair ties in recent months.