Trump asked Musk to lift Starshield limits for Ukraine, WSJ reports

President Donald Trump reportedly asked Elon Musk to lift restrictions on Starshield, a military satellite communication service used by Ukrainian forces, according to the Wall Street Journal. The service was operating near normal as of October 22, 2026, but not fully restored. The restrictions limited the speed of drones carrying Starshield terminals to about 161 kilometers per hour, affecting military operations in Ukraine. Disputes persist over who imposed the limits, with Musk claiming the U.S. military and president decide, while Reuters reported White House involvement, which officials denied. Vice President J.D. Vance expressed understanding for Musk's position, while Republican lawmakers called for congressional investigations into the decision-making process. The controversy follows Trump's criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over attacks on Russian oil facilities.