Elon Musk has accused the Biden-Harris administration of delaying crucial relief efforts for Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina by revoking an important broadband grant to his Starlink project. Musk’s satellite-based internet system, which could have helped deliver essential communications services to rural communities, was denied $885.5 million in federal funding by the administration’s FCC in 2022.
Musk took to social media to express his frustration, writing, “Had the FCC not illegally revoked the SpaceX Starlink award, it would probably have saved lives in North Carolina.” His remarks come as many rural areas affected by Hurricane Helene struggle to recover amid poor communication infrastructure.
The Trump-era FCC had initially approved the grant to expand Starlink’s broadband services to 642,000 rural homes and businesses. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, however, rescinded the grant, citing concerns over whether Starlink could adequately deliver on its promises. Critics have called the move politically motivated, accusing the administration of undermining the project because of Musk’s alignment with Republican-friendly policies.
Musk’s frustration was mirrored by FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who argued that the decision was “without legal justification” and would leave rural Americans without essential services. Starlink is currently being used in limited capacity to assist with post-hurricane recovery, but many argue that far more aid could have been deployed if the grant had not been revoked.
As the political debate rages on, many are questioning the Biden-Harris administration’s broader approach to rural broadband access and disaster preparedness.
