Elon Musk pushes Starlink for FAA, warns of air safety risks without proof

Elon Musk is under fire due to a $2.4 billion contract between his company Starlink and The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Musk claimed on his X account that the current system held by Verizon was failing, which could cause a potential risk of air traffic control. He later corrected his tweet, as the information was untrue. The billionaire also suggested that his own company Starlink, which is a branch of SpaceX, should take over.

Many worry this might represent a conflict of interests, as both SpaceX and Starlink are companies currently regulated by the FAA. If Starlink provides critical aviation services, Musk’s influence could create regulatory bias, unfair market advantages, or compromised safety oversight, raising concerns over industry competition. Furthermore, there is the closeness between President Trump and Musk, hece why some could potentially see this change as yet another establishment move.

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Elon Musk's Starlink for FAA, Verizon targeted

Some Democrats have argued that this contract would mean more power for Elon Musk on the U.S., major problems include the following:

• Regulatory scrutiny: Potential government investigations into conflicts of interest and favoritism.
• National security concerns: Starlink’s role in critical infrastructure can stir defense and cybersecurity debates.
• Big tech influence: Expands Musk’s power in government operations, sparking bipartisan concerns.
• Lobbying and policy shifts: Could influence FAA regulations, benefiting SpaceX and similar firms.
• Election and free speech issues: Musk’s control over communications tech may impact political discourse.

The FAA did not immediately confirm changes to the contract with Verizon. In a statement, the agency said: “In relation to the FAA Enterprise Network Services Program (FENS), no decisions have been made.” However, the FAA also stated on Monday that they began the testing of three Starlink terminals, shipped by SpaceX at no cost to the agency or taxpayers.

Unverified air safety claims

According to The Washington Post, the FAA is considering canceling the contract with Verizon and awarding it to SpaceX. Musk seemed to back up this information by sharing a post that mentioned the possibility. The billionaire and owner of X had to add a second tweet after falsely stating that the Verizon system was 'rapidly breaking down'.

Despite Musk's inconsistencies, it is true that the FAA's air traffic control system has already been noted as obsolete in recent reports. A Government Accountability Office report last December highlighted the “urgent need” to modernize the agency's systems. Meanwhile, President Trump has said Musk will self-police any conflicts of interest, which means no agency or person is evaluating whether the tech guru is personally benefitting from this new access.