Elon Musk has accused the Biden-Harris administration of interfering with Hurricane Helene relief efforts in North Carolina by revoking a broadband grant to his Starlink satellite service. According to Musk, had the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) not canceled the $885.5 million grant awarded to Starlink in 2020, the company could have provided much-needed internet access to rural communities affected by the storm.
“Had the FCC not illegally revoked the SpaceX Starlink award, it would probably have saved lives in North Carolina,” Musk tweeted.
The grant, initially approved by the Trump administration’s FCC, was meant to expand broadband to over 600,000 rural homes and businesses in 35 states. However, the Biden-Harris FCC, led by Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, canceled the grant in 2022, arguing that Starlink could not deliver the level of service promised. Critics, including FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, have said the move was politically motivated and lacked legal basis.
Now, as Starlink units are being deployed to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Musk and his supporters are questioning how much more could have been done had the grant been allowed to stand. North Carolina communities are currently receiving limited assistance from Starlink, but the state could have had nearly 20,000 units in place if the grant had not been revoked.
Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, has been vocal on the issue, accusing the FCC of prioritizing politics over American lives. As recovery efforts continue, the controversy surrounding the administration’s handling of broadband funding has come under renewed scrutiny.
