US Pressures Countries in Tariff Negotiations to Adopt Musk's 'Starlink'

The Donald Trump administration has reportedly pressured the removal of regulations to allow the entry of American satellite internet companies during tariff negotiations with various countries.

On the 7th (local time), the Washington Post reported, after obtaining messages and memos exchanged within the US government, that the recent approvals of Elon Musk's satellite internet business Starlink by African countries were likely influenced by such pressure from the US government.

According to the Washington Post, Lesotho, which the Trump administration announced last month would face a 50% tariff, held meetings with Starlink employees and approved satellite internet services in the country.

This decision by Lesotho was mentioned in an internal memo from the State Department obtained by the Washington Post, and it was evaluated as a gesture of goodwill and willingness to welcome American companies during trade negotiations with the US.

Starlink signed a service contract in India last March and has reportedly reached partial agreements with Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam.

The Washington Post reported that while there is no explicit evidence that the Trump administration demanded preferential treatment for Starlink in exchange for lowering tariffs, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed officials at embassies and other government offices to pressure local governments to relax satellite internet regulations during trade negotiations.

The State Department stated, "Starlink is an innovative American product that has played a crucial role in securing internet connectivity in remote areas worldwide," and added, "Any patriotic American would want to see American companies succeed on the global stage, especially outpacing Chinese competitors."

White House Deputy Press Secretary Kushi Desai stated, "The only consideration in the Trump administration's trade negotiations is what benefits Americans the most, which includes the success of American companies both domestically and internationally."

She added, "President Trump will not tolerate any conflicts of interest, and all administration officials adhere to the ethical guidelines set by their respective agencies."

Reporter Yonghyun Shin, Hankyung.com yonghyun@hankyung.com