US said to push tariff-hit nations to approve Musk's Starlink

The United States has reportedly encouraged certain countries to approve regulatory clearances for Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink.

This information comes from State Department cables cited by Reuters on May 7, 2025.

The cables indicate that US embassies and the State Department recommended reducing barriers for satellite companies.

They specifically mentioned Starlink in their communications.

However, the documents do not suggest that the Trump administration requested regulatory favors for Starlink in exchange for lower tariffs.

🔗 Source: Reuters

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ US tech diplomacy reflects broader digital trade strategy

The State Department’s push for Starlink approvals follows a long-established US trade policy prioritizing digital technologies and telecommunications as critical economic interests.

Since at least 2015, the US Trade Representative has worked to establish “strong, binding rules on digital trade” through international agreements to benefit American tech companies 1.

This strategy has included both diplomatic efforts and leveraging trade relationships to create favorable conditions for US tech firms operating abroad.

The reported diplomatic pressure for Starlink approvals represents a specific application of this broader policy framework where government agencies actively promote US technology interests through formal diplomatic channels.

The International Trade Administration, part of the Department of Commerce, has similarly focused on “enhancing the competitiveness of US industries in global markets” while providing resources for American businesses seeking to expand internationally 2.

The current diplomatic efforts for Starlink occur amid an increasingly complex landscape of tariffs and trade policies, creating a multifaceted approach where diplomatic support for US tech ventures operates alongside protective trade measures.

2️⃣ Rising competition in satellite internet intensifies government backing

The US push for Starlink approvals comes at a critical moment in the satellite internet market, with Amazon’s Project Kuiper launching 27 satellites in direct competition with Starlink 3.