Former US President Donald Trump claimed he had personally coordinated with billionaire Elon Musk to deploy Starlink satellite systems in North Carolina impacted by hurricane Helene, suggesting the Biden administration and state officials were slow to act. However, the White House swiftly countered, saying that the satellite systems were already in use and additional units were on the way.
The White House announced that dozens of Starlink satellite systems were already operational in the state, with over 100 more en route to the hardest-hit areas.
This federal coordination came into focus after former President Donald Trump, during remarks on Monday, claimed he had personally spoken to Elon Musk to arrange Starlink’s deployment in North Carolina.
“I just spoke to Elon,” Trump said. “We want to get Starlink hooked up because they have no communication whatsoever and Elon will always come through. We are going to try and get the Starlink in there as soon as possible.” Trump added.
He went on to allege that the Biden administration, alongside North Carolina’s Democratic governor, was intentionally delaying aid to Republican-dominated areas—a claim offered without evidence.
In response, a White House spokesperson swiftly countered Trump’s assertions, pointing out that the deployment had already been arranged. “This is already happening,” the spokesperson noted, sharing FEMA’s press release that detailed the ongoing efforts to utilise Starlink technology.
The high-speed internet systems, powered by Elon Musk’s Starlink, are critical in re-establishing communication lines for emergency responders and affected communities. 40 Starlink systems are currently aiding relief operations, while an additional 140 are on their way to assist in restoring essential infrastructure, according to FEMA.
Trump’s comments come amidst his ongoing campaign for re-election, where he faces Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming November election. Musk, who controls SpaceX and Starlink—one of the world’s leading satellite broadband systems—has endorsed Trump in his bid for the White House.
Helene’s wrath has left a tragic trail, claiming more than 130 lives across six states. Western North Carolina has been among the hardest hit, with some areas completely severed from communication networks.
The storm, which crashed into Florida’s Gulf Coast last Thursday night, left insurers and forecasters scrambling to assess the damage, with estimates ranging from $15 billion to over $100 billion.
