High-Profile Figures Unite for Advanced Tech Response to Storm Crisis

Former President Trump collaborates with Elon Musk to deploy Starlink in hurricane-ravaged areas, but the White House claims the plan was already in motion.

At a Glance

Trump announced collaboration with Elon Musk to deploy Starlink in areas affected by Hurricane Helene
The White House states that Starlink deployment was already planned before Trump’s announcement
FEMA has made 40 Starlink satellite systems available and is shipping 140 more
Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage, with approximately 100 deaths and millions without power
Trump criticized Biden’s response, while the White House highlighted ongoing federal assistance efforts

Trump Announces Starlink Deployment for Hurricane Relief

In a recent event in Valdosta, Georgia, former President Donald Trump revealed his collaboration with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to deploy Starlink internet services in areas devastated by Hurricane Helene. The hurricane has caused extensive communication disruptions across Georgia and North Carolina, prompting this initiative to re-establish crucial connectivity.

Trump emphasized the severity of the situation, particularly in North Carolina, where communication has been severely impacted. He stated, “To every family that’s been displaced here in Georgia and in North Carolina, which has really been hit. We’re going there also. They don’t have communication, they don’t have anything right now.” The former president assured the public of Musk’s reliability in providing assistance, saying, “Elon will always come through. We know that.”

Donald Trump says he’s spoken to Elon Musk about getting Starlink for areas damaged by Hurricane Helene https://t.co/HD2QsKIGvV

— The Hill (@thehill) September 30, 2024

White House Claims Starlink Deployment Was Already Planned

However, the White House has clarified that a Starlink partnership was already in place before Trump’s announcement. Andrew Bates, a White House spokesperson, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that 40 Starlink satellite systems had been deployed in North Carolina for responder communications. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stated that an additional 140 satellites were being sent to help repair communication infrastructure.

“This is already happening,” said a White House spokesperson, indicating that the federal government had already decided to send Starlink satellites to these areas prior to Trump’s statement. – Source

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell reportedly made the decision to send satellites on Sunday, without Trump’s involvement. The timing and nature of Trump’s call with Musk remain unclear, and a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign has not provided clarification on the matter.

Hurricane Helene’s Impact and Relief Efforts

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, causing significant damage and power outages across several states. The storm has resulted in at least 119 fatalities, with millions of people left without power. In response to the disaster, President Biden has been in contact with state and local officials and has deployed federal workers to assist with recovery efforts. The White House has also issued emergency declarations to expedite resources for affected states.

“The end result is it’s going to be good,” Trump said, expressing optimism about the recovery efforts. – Source

While Trump has criticized Biden’s response to the storm, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp acknowledged Biden’s offer of assistance. Vice President Harris has returned to Washington for a storm briefing and plans to tour the damage. President Biden has mentioned that Congress might need to approve additional funding for storm recovery.

As relief efforts continue, the collaboration between Trump and Musk, whether preempted by federal actions or not, highlights the critical need for communication services in disaster-stricken areas. The deployment of Starlink satellites demonstrates the potential for innovative technologies to play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery efforts.