Despite the feud, Trump says he'll continue using Starlink at the White House

Trump uses Starlink at White House despite communication issues and Musk's threats.

: Donald Trump continues to use Starlink at the White House despite ongoing tensions with Elon Musk. He praised Starlink as 'a good service' at a recent conference, even amidst installation without White House approval. Security concerns arise as DOGE installed Starlink without monitoring provisions similar to the main White House system. NASA and the Pentagon explore alternatives due to SpaceX's potential disruptions to their services.

President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will continue using Starlink satellite internet service at the White House, despite his ongoing public feud with Elon Musk. Trump described Starlink as “a good service” and emphasized its reliability, stating that he would not let personal disputes interfere with essential operations.

The feud between Trump and Musk escalated after Musk criticized Trump’s economic policies, calling them a “disgusting abomination.” In response, Trump threatened to sever ties with Musk-related ventures, including the removal of a Tesla Model S reportedly gifted by Musk. However, while the car may be moved, Starlink will remain.

There have been concerns over the security of Starlink terminals within the White House. Reports indicate that one terminal may have been installed without full approval from official communications staff, raising potential cybersecurity and surveillance issues. Experts caution that satellite-based internet could bypass traditional encryption and monitoring protocols.

Despite these tensions and concerns, Trump has signaled openness to reconciliation. When asked about Musk, he stated that he would “have no problem” with a future conversation. Musk, in turn, reacted to Trump’s recent comments with a heart emoji on social media, hinting at a possible easing of tensions.

Ultimately, Trump’s decision reflects a pragmatic approach—prioritizing the technical performance of Starlink over personal grievances. The move underscores the complex intersection of politics, technology, and governance in today’s White House.

Sources: Reuters, The Daily Beast, Times of India, Bloomberg, Gizmodo