Former President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that he had reached out to Elon Musk in an effort to provide Starlink satellite service access to North Carolina, which is currently grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Trump expressed concern over the lack of communication infrastructure in the state following the devastating storm.
During a visit to Valdosta, Georgia, where he was assessing the storm damage, Trump mentioned his conversation with Musk, stating, 'We’re trying to, I just spoke to Elon, I’m getting him, we want to get Starlink hooked up.' Trump expressed confidence in Musk's ability to deliver, saying, 'Elon will always come through.'
Trump's admiration for Musk's capabilities was further evident when he hinted at offering Musk a position in his administration if he were to be reelected. Trump had previously mentioned Musk's potential role in leading a government efficiency commission under his administration.
Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that 40 Starlink satellite systems were already available for deployment in North Carolina, with an additional 140 satellites en route to provide further assistance in the disaster-stricken region.
The collaboration between Trump, Musk, and FEMA underscores the importance of leveraging innovative technologies like Starlink to enhance communication and connectivity during times of crisis. As North Carolina works towards recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the potential integration of Starlink satellite service could play a crucial role in restoring essential communication networks in the state.