In 2024 and 2025, President Trump frequently praised Elon Musk and Starlink for their role in restoring communications in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Trump’s public accolades centered on a specific interaction where he claimed to have requested hundreds of units to assist devastated areas.
Details of the Assistance
- Trump’s Request: In late 2024, Trump stated he called Musk after learning North Carolina residents were “isolated” without communications. He recounted saying, “Elon, we need Starlink,” and reported that Musk immediately committed to sending terminals.
- Deployment: Starlink confirmed in October 2024 that approximately 500 Starlink kits were being deployed via private individuals and organizations to assist recovery efforts in southern Appalachia.
- Free Service: To support the region, SpaceX made Starlink service free for the remainder of 2024 for those in affected areas. By 2025, standard billing resumed unless users were eligible for extended recovery programs.
- Impact: Trump repeatedly credited Musk with saving “hundreds of lives” by enabling emergency coordination in areas where traditional cell and fiber networks were leveled.
Updates and Continued Support
- Ongoing Recovery: As of late 2025, North Carolina has received over $3 billion in federal aid since President Trump took office, with funds specifically targeted at road repairs and critical infrastructure restoration.
- State Contracts: Following the success of the emergency deployment, North Carolina signed a contract with SpaceX in March 2025 to purchase Starlink products to permanently fill internet gaps in rural areas.
Technical Performance: By October 2025, Starlink reported that internet speeds in the region and globally had increased by roughly 50%.
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