Blumenthal Opens Inquiry Into Ukraine Satellite Restrictions

Sen. Blumenthal opened an inquiry Oct. 22 into restrictions affecting Ukraine’s satellite communications, questioning who controls a capability he said the U.S. government spent billions of dollars to acquire.

Blumenthal, the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent letters to Musk and Defense Secretary Hegseth. He warned that restricting an ally’s access to critical technology could put Ukrainian forces and civilians at risk.

U.S. officials said President Donald Trump called Musk on Oct. 22 to ask him to ease limits on Ukraine’s use of Starshield, SpaceX’s military satellite service. U.S. and Ukrainian officials said the service operated more normally later that day.

Trump told reporters outside the White House on Oct. 22 that it did not matter whether he or someone else had made the call, and said Musk had restored the service. On Oct. 21, Trump said he did not know who imposed the restriction and was not involved.

During the dispute, Musk wrote on X that the U.S. government owns and controls Starshield and that the military decides any speed or usage limits, ultimately under the president’s authority. Musk’s earlier explanation of who controls Starshield limits addressed that question. Sen. Cornyn, a Texas Republican, said on Oct. 21 he did not believe Musk would impose limits without at least the White House’s acquiescence.