In a twist of fate, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is reaping the rewards of the Trump administration's tariff trade war, as revealed by leaked State Department memos obtained by the Washington Post.

These memos detail the U.S. government's efforts to persuade various countries to adopt Starlink, with the suggestion that such moves could smooth trade negotiations with the United States. A notable example involves Lesotho, a small African nation facing a staggering 50% tariff imposed by the U.S. The memo indicates that Lesotho's new ten-year deal with Starlink was made with this trade context in mind.

Elon Musk, the mastermind behind SpaceX, is not just a tech mogul; he’s also been viewed as a close adviser to the Trump administration. Despite potential conflicts of interest, a White House spokesperson affirmed there were no ethical issues at play. The State Department has even labeled the promotion of American satellite ventures as "patriotic," especially in light of increasing competition from China.

As the world of satellite internet continues to evolve, the intertwining of trade policy and technology raises critical questions about national interests and economic strategy. How will these developments impact global internet access and geopolitics? Only time will tell, but for now, Starlink is not just reaching for the stars; it’s thriving on Earth, thanks to a complex web of trade negotiations.