Kathrine Frich
A group of top U.S. senators now wants a full investigation into what they call potential “quid-pro-quo” corruption.
A group of top U.S. senators now wants a full investigation into what they call potential “quid-pro-quo” corruption.
A Full Investigation
Elon Musk is once again at the center of political fire. this time over allegations that his Starlink satellite internet business may have gained international market access through U.S. trade negotiations under President Trump.
Senators Want to Know
In a letter addressed to the U.S. Attorney General and federal ethics officials,
Democratic senators including Elizabeth Warren and Mark Warner claim Musk may be leveraging his close ties to Trump to help expand Starlink, even if it risks compromising U.S. policy.
Took Off After Trump Returned to Office
The letter notes a suspicious timing: Starlink struggled to grow internationally until Trump’s second term began, and Musk was suddenly by his side as a top advisor.
Since then, the company has landed deals in several countries previously resistant to U.S. satellite firms.
Market Access or Political Pressure?
Among the examples cited is Lesotho, which approved Starlink shortly after Trump slapped the country with harsh tariffs.
Similar patterns reportedly appeared in Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India, all nations in sensitive trade talks with the U.S.
Did Musk Say the Quiet Part Out Loud?
One of the most explosive claims comes from a Bangladeshi official who allegedly met Musk at the White House.
According to The Washington Post, Musk reportedly suggested that Bangladesh might not get favorable trade terms unless it opened the door to Starlink.
U.S. Officials Pushed for Starlink Approvals Abroad
Leaked State Department documents show American diplomats were actively lobbying foreign governments to approve U.S. satellite firms,
Starlink specifically mentioned, during ongoing trade talks. Senators say this kind of push raises serious red flags.
Senators: This Looks Like Classic Corruption
The lawmakers didn’t mince words: they call the situation a “textbook case of corruption” if trade relief was tied to business access for Musk’s company.
They want the State Department’s Inspector General to investigate whether ethics laws were broken.
The Heart of the Allegation: Public Interest vs. Private Profit
The letter also questions whether U.S. officials are prioritizing Elon Musk’s financial interests over national policy goals, and whether any of this was directly ordered by Musk or Trump.
If so, that could represent a serious breach of federal ethics rules.
