Donald Trump said that he had talked to Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to deploy Starlink satellite systems in hurricane-ravaged North Carolina. Accusing the current Biden administration and state officials of being slow to respond, the former US president said "I just spoke to Elon," further adding "We want to get Starlink hooked up because they have no communication whatsoever and Elon will always come through. We are going to try and get the Starlink in there as soon as possible."
At an event in Valdosta, Georgia, Trump stated that some residents in North Carolina ‘don't have communication’ before mentioning his chat with Musk.
White House refutes the claim
However, the White House has refuted these claims, stating that Starlink systems were already operational and more units were on the way. According to the White House, dozens of Starlink satellites were already providing internet access in the state, with over 100 additional units en route to the worst-hit regions.
White House Spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a post on X “This is already happening”, linking to a FEMA statement : "40 Starlink satellite systems are available to help with responder communications and an additional 140 satellites are being shipped to assist with communications infrastructure restoration."
Hurricane Helene has left a devastating impact, claiming over 130 lives across six states. Western North Carolina has been particularly hard-hit, with several areas cut off from communication networks entirely. The storm, which made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast last Thursday, has left insurance companies and officials scrambling, with damage estimates ranging from $15 billion to more than $100 billion.
At an event in Valdosta, Georgia, Trump stated that some residents in North Carolina ‘don't have communication’ before mentioning his chat with Musk.
White House refutes the claim
However, the White House has refuted these claims, stating that Starlink systems were already operational and more units were on the way. According to the White House, dozens of Starlink satellites were already providing internet access in the state, with over 100 additional units en route to the worst-hit regions.
This is already happening: @FEMA: "40 Starlink satellite systems are available to help with responder communications and an additional 140 satellites are being shipped to assist with communications infrastructure restoration." https://t.co/a5YWGhpa8Q https://t.co/xNFv3M8SeJ
— Andrew Bates (@AndrewJBates46) September 30, 2024
White House Spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a post on X “This is already happening”, linking to a FEMA statement : "40 Starlink satellite systems are available to help with responder communications and an additional 140 satellites are being shipped to assist with communications infrastructure restoration."
Hurricane Helene has left a devastating impact, claiming over 130 lives across six states. Western North Carolina has been particularly hard-hit, with several areas cut off from communication networks entirely. The storm, which made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast last Thursday, has left insurance companies and officials scrambling, with damage estimates ranging from $15 billion to more than $100 billion.
