Democrats demand Trump explain Ukraine satellite cutoffs

Congressional Democrats are pressing President Donald Trump to say who ordered a reduction in Ukraine's access to Starshield, the military version of SpaceX's Starlink satellite service. In a Friday letter first reported by MS NOW, Representatives Jason Crow, Adam Smith, Jim Himes and George Whitesides argued that the cutback endangers civilians and weakens Ukrainian defenses against Russian attacks. They said the administration has not answered congressional questions about the decision.

The lawmakers framed the problem as two-sided. If SpaceX acted alone, despite a Defense Department contract, that would raise concerns about private influence over national security. If the administration gave the order, it would raise questions about American policy toward Russia and Ukraine. Elon Musk has denied that his company made the call, saying on X that the U. S. military and ultimately the president set any limits. An unnamed U. S. official told MS NOW the president never made such a request, while the White House did not answer whether another official or agency did.

On Thursday, Senator Jeanne Shaheen led a bipartisan Senate letter asking the Defense Department Inspector General to investigate. Ukrainian diplomat Denys Sienik said service was beginning to recover.

Summarized by PolitiKool from MS NOW’s reporting. Read the full story at MS NOW →