Trump Denies Ordering Starshield Restrictions for Ukraine

US President Donald Trump stated on Friday, October 16, that he did not give the order to restrict Ukraine's access to Starshield, the military satellite communication technology developed by SpaceX. Speaking to journalists at the White House, Trump also said he does not believe that Elon Musk was behind the restrictions.

Trump told reporters: 'It was not me, and I don't think it was Elon. I don't know if it was someone else. From what I understand, everything is the same as always.'

Earlier reports indicated that the order to limit Starshield usage — which Ukrainian forces rely on for battlefield communication and drone control — came from the White House. The Pentagon has not publicly explained the reason for the restrictions.

The Axios news portal previously reported that the White House denied involvement and stated it does not control SpaceX as a private company.

Republican Senator Tom Tillis has separately launched a congressional investigation into the Pentagon's actions in connection with the Starlink problems affecting Ukrainian troops. President Zelensky stated that the US decision to impose Starlink restrictions was a mistake that would lead to casualties on the battlefield.