Musk Helps Trump
President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he intends to consult with technology entrepreneur Elon Musk about ways to reestablish internet service in Iran, where authorities have shut down communications amid expanding anti-government demonstrations.
Speaking to reporters, Trump was asked whether Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX—which operates the satellite internet system Starlink—could play a role in helping Iranians regain access to information.
“He’s very good at that kind of thing. He’s got a very good company,” Trump said, signaling openness to discussions about satellite-based connectivity.
Iranian authorities have restricted internet access for several days, sharply limiting outside visibility into protests that have spread across multiple cities. Observers say the unrest represents one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership since nationwide demonstrations in 2022.
Trump and Musk Relationship Appears to Be Resetting
Trump and Musk have had a complicated public relationship. Musk supported Trump during the presidential campaign and later played a visible role in federal government restructuring efforts. The two later clashed publicly over Trump’s signature tax legislation.
Recent events suggest the relationship may be improving. Trump and Musk were seen dining together this month at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is scheduled to tour a SpaceX facility in Texas—fueling speculation of renewed cooperation.
Starlink Has Been Used During Past Unrest
Musk has previously supported efforts to provide Starlink internet access during periods of political unrest, including inside Iran during the 2022 protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died while in police custody.
At that time, the Biden administration coordinated with Musk to allow limited satellite connectivity after Iranian authorities shut down traditional internet services.
Starlink has also been deployed in other conflict zones, including Ukraine. According to Reuters, Musk ordered a temporary suspension of Starlink service there in 2022 during a sensitive military operation, citing security concerns.
Protests Escalate as Death Toll Mounts
The current protests in Iran began in late December following sharp price increases and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations later evolved into broader opposition to Iran’s ruling system, which has been in place since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
U.S.-based rights group HRANA reports that hundreds of people have been killed and thousands arrested in recent weeks. Iranian authorities have not released official figures, and independent verification remains difficult due to ongoing internet restrictions.
