In a recent interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Senator Adam Schiff of California called for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to testify regarding the recent slowdown of Starlink satellite services that impacted Ukraine’s military efforts. Schiff emphasized that anyone with relevant knowledge about the situation should be brought in front of the Senate to provide clarity.
During the discussion, Schiff highlighted claims made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who suggested that the limitations imposed on Starlink were influenced by the U.S. government. Zelenskyy stated, “it was the message from American government to limit this speed, and technically SpaceX did it.”
The controversy deepened last week when the Wall Street Journal reported that former President Donald Trump had contacted Elon Musk, urging him to lift the restrictions on Starlink services. Despite these claims, Schiff pointed out that the situation remains murky, with conflicting statements from involved parties, including Musk and Trump.
Addressing the implications of the Starlink slowdown, Schiff remarked, “You’ve got the president saying one thing, you’ve got Elon Musk saying another… Somebody is lying here.” He stressed the necessity for congressional inquiry into the matter, asserting, “If it is true, we should find out.” Schiff also expressed concern about the potential risks posed to U.S. national security if such disruptions continue.
Following the disruptions, Ukraine reported that both Starlink and Starshield services were restored to high speeds, which are essential for intercepting Russian attacks. However, questions linger about what triggered the interruptions and the extent of U.S. government involvement.
As tensions rise, Schiff’s call for accountability reflects ongoing concerns regarding the relationship between private companies and national security interests, highlighting that the world’s wealthiest individuals should not dictate the terms of security for a nation at war.
Photo credit: Ben Curtis
