Trump asks Musk to lift Ukraine Starshield limits

President Trump called SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to request lifting restrictions on Starshield, the military version of Starlink, for Ukraine, according to reports. The move follows criticism that speed limits expanded Ukrainian casualties and amid Republican backlash over Trump's conciliatory steps toward Russia. The Wall Street Journal reported on October 22 that Trump complained about a speed cap of about 100 mph on Ukrainian drones using the satellite network, imposed on October 14. Ukrainian officials said the limit hindered attack drones and interceptors, leaving them exposed to Russian airstrikes. After the call on October 21, the system began operating closer to normal, though not fully restored. Trump said he wanted to withdraw the restrictions, but SpaceX and the White House disagree on who ordered them, with Musk deferring to the U.S. military and Trump denying knowledge. Lawmakers from both parties, including Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, have announced investigations into the restrictions and Pentagon reliance on SpaceX.