Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, operated by SpaceX, is now available on the White House campus. The service was installed to increase internet availability at the complex where existing Wi-Fi infrastructure was overtaxed. Instead of physical placement of Starlink terminals, the system is routed through a White House data center using existing fiber cables.
Questions were raised about potential conflicts of interest as Mr. Musk, an unpaid adviser at the White House, controls Starlink and other companies with regulatory matters before the federal government. There was a recent incident where a security engineer working with Mr. Musk attempted to install Starlink on the White House roof, causing a Secret Service alarm, though it was not considered a security breach.
Starlink has also been set up at the General Services Administration, which has been involved in Mr. Musk’s government-shrinking initiatives. While the system is typically used in emergency situations or remote locations, it is less common to see it at federal buildings in Washington.
Despite concerns about security and encryption, the service has proven reliable in various scenarios, including supporting Ukraine’s defenses against Russia. The White House’s use of Starlink raises questions about replacing existing infrastructure that has been vetted and secured.
Overall, the installation of Starlink at the White House reflects Mr. Musk’s efforts to modernize government technology, though concerns about potential conflicts of interest and cybersecurity remain.
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