Elon Musk, one of the biggest financial backers of Republican candidates in the 2026 US midterm elections, has emerged as a prominent figure facing a political setback after Democrats secured major victories in Texas.Musk, often described by critics as an "alt president" or "shadow president" because of his influence over the US government, reportedly contributed at least $446 million to Republican-aligned groups during the election campaign, with a focus on key Senate races.He is also said to have spent around $180 million in Texas, where he lives and where SpaceX is headquartered. Musk reportedly contributed $5 million directly to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's campaign and invested millions more in Ken Paxton's Senate bid. However, both candidates lost their respective races to Democrats, ending the Republican Party's three-decade hold on the state's governorship and Senate seat.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/he-has-turned-opponents-into-enemies-mj-akbar-says-trump-s-language-cost-him-the-us-midterm-election-1793877932800">'He has turned opponents into enemies': MJ Akbar says Trump's language cost him the US midterm election</a><h2>Texas voters deliver a setback to Musk-backed candidates</h2>The election results triggered celebrations among Democratic supporters in Texas. Videos showed people honking and cheering after Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton.Talarico, who had repeatedly faced criticism from Musk on social media, took a potshot at the tech billionaire during his victory speech. While he did not directly take Musk's name, the Democrat made thinly veiled remarks about "every billionaire megadonor, every trillionaire megadonor."On the flip side, Musk, who had spent months attacking Democrats online, was unusually quiet on election night. While he largely avoided commenting on the results, the SpaceX chief executive posted, "Data centres in space looking pretty appealing right now".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drugs-on-the-ballot-did-american-voters-back-marijuana-legalisation-in-2026-us-midterms-idaho-massachusetts-cannabis-ballots-1793799694174">Drugs on the ballot: Did American voters back marijuana legalisation in 2026 US midterms?</a><h2>Why are Texas data centres becoming a political flashpoint?</h2>Musk's comment comes as Texas faces growing opposition to the expansion of data centres. SpaceX has invested billions in data centre infrastructure. Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has, however, vowed to halt approvals for new data centres until the state legislature passes laws governing the sector.The issue has become contentious because of concerns about the resources required to operate these facilities. Texas accounts for 25 per cent of planned data centre capacity in the US. Critics argue that the industry's demand for electricity could put pressure on the power grid, increase household energy bills and worsen water shortages for ordinary consumers.Opposition to new projects is also growing among residents. An opinion poll conducted in October found that 79 per cent of Texas voters supported limiting the number of data centres that can be built in the state.A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll also found that 42 per cent of US voters considered the issue their most important concern.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/defeat-of-alt-president-elon-musk-will-space-x-shift-its-hq-from-texas-1793900625670/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/defeat-of-alt-president-elon-musk-will-space-x-shift-its-hq-from-texas-1793900625670/embed</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Could Musk move SpaceX out of Texas?</h2>The election outcome has raised questions about whether Musk could reconsider SpaceX's presence in Texas as Democrats prepare to take a tougher approach to regulating the technology sector.The billionaire had previously moved the company's headquarters from California to Texas with considerable fanfare two years ago.Whether the latest political developments will prompt another relocation remains to be seen. Musk has not announced any plan to move SpaceX out of Texas.

Elon Musk-backed Republicans have suffered defeats in Texas, raising questions over SpaceX's future in the state. With data centre regulation emerging as a flashpoint, could Musk consider another headquarters move? 

Elon Musk, one of the biggest financial backers of Republican candidates in the 2026 US midterm elections, has emerged as a prominent figure facing a political setback after Democrats secured major victories in Texas. Musk, often described by critics as an "alt president" or "shadow president" because of his influence over the US government, reportedly contributed at least $446 million to Republican-aligned groups during the election campaign, with a focus on key Senate races. He is also said to have spent around $180 million in Texas, where he lives and where SpaceX is headquartered. Musk reportedly contributed $5 million directly to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's campaign and invested millions more in Ken Paxton's Senate bid. However, both candidates lost their respective races to Democrats, ending the Republican Party's three-decade hold on the state's governorship and Senate seat. Also read | 'He has turned opponents into enemies': MJ Akbar says Trump's language cost him the US midterm election Texas voters deliver a setback to Musk-backed candidates The election results triggered celebrations among Democratic supporters in Texas. Videos showed people honking and cheering after Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton. Talarico, who had repeatedly faced criticism from Musk on social media, took a potshot at the tech billionaire during his victory speech. While he did not directly take Musk's name, the Democrat made thinly veiled remarks about "every billionaire megadonor, every trillionaire megadonor." On the flip side, Musk, who had spent months attacking Democrats online, was unusually quiet on election night. While he largely avoided commenting on the results, the SpaceX chief executive posted, "Data centres in space looking pretty appealing right now". Also read | Drugs on the ballot: Did American voters back marijuana legalisation in 2026 US midterms? Why are Texas data centres becoming a political flashpoint? Musk's comment comes as Texas faces growing opposition to the expansion of data centres. SpaceX has invested billions in data centre infrastructure. Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has, however, vowed to halt approvals for new data centres until the state legislature passes laws governing the sector. The issue has become contentious because of concerns about the resources required to operate these facilities. Texas accounts for 25 per cent of planned data centre capacity in the US. Critics argue that the industry's demand for electricity could put pressure on the power grid, increase household energy bills and worsen water shortages for ordinary consumers. Opposition to new projects is also growing among residents. An opinion poll conducted in October found that 79 per cent of Texas voters supported limiting the number of data centres that can be built in the state. A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll also found that 42 per cent of US voters considered the issue their most important concern. https://www.wionews.com/videos/defeat-of-alt-president-elon-musk-will-space-x-shift-its-hq-from-texas-1793900625670/embed

Elon Musk-backed Republicans have suffered defeats in Texas, raising questions over SpaceX's future in the state. With data centre regulation emerging as a flashpoint, could Musk consider another headquarters move?&nbsp;

Defeat of 'Alt President' Elon Musk: Will SpaceX shift its HQ from Texas? | Gravitas

As Republicans continue to grapple with the scale of their defeat in the U.S. midterms, tech billionaire Elon Musk has emerged as a key loser. Despite having contributed millions to the campaign of key Republican candidates in Texas, they lost the election. This has raised questions about the future of Space X which is headquartered in Texas.

Defeat of 'alt president' Elon Musk: Will Space X shift its hq from Texas?

Elon Musk has emerged as one of the biggest losers of the U.S. midterm elections, despite not being on the ballot. The billionaire spent nearly 500 million dollars backing Republican candidates and supporting efforts to keep Texas under Republican control.


Musk's money fails to save Republicans

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate campaign framed the US midterm elections as "the many versus the money". With results out, the many appear to have won. Elon Musk, the world's richest person, poured nearly half a billion dollars into Republican candidates and causes. Still, the Democrats took control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate on November 3.<h2>How much did Elon Musk spend on the 2026 midterms?</h2>Musk gave $445.6 million this cycle, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings up to 14 October. The figure includes money from United States of America Inc, a nonprofit he controls. Other tallies - like a New York Times report- put it at about $474 million, counting later donations and groups that do not file with the FEC. That makes Musk the largest individual donor in modern US election history, having spent nearly three times as much as the next-biggest donor.The wider Midterms cycle of 2026 was the costliest election on record. OpenSecrets projected total spending of nearly $12 billion, much of it from the wealthiest donors.<h2>Where did Musk's money go?&nbsp;</h2>Texas received the largest share. America PAC, the super PAC Musk founded, received $216 million. It ran Republican turnout and field operations, including a major ground campaign in Texas. The Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC for Senate Republicans, received $168 million. Filings showed $158 million of that went to Texas PAC, the biggest group backing Ken Paxton's Senate bid.The Congressional Leadership Fund, which backs House Republicans, received $30 million.Musk's trust gave $10 million to Lone Star Liberty PAC, the main outside group supporting Paxton. In all, Musk spent more than $200 million only to help Paxton. He also gave $5 million to Governor Greg Abbott, and backed groups active in Kentucky and Alaska.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-preemptive-pardon-elon-musk-democrats-midterm-election-1793636060504">Trump considers pre-emptive pardons for Elon Musk if Democrats win Congress</a><h2>The Texas play that didn't work</h2>Texas delivered the sharpest blow to Musk's money. Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton, the state's attorney general, becoming the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in Texas since 1988. He had specifically campaigned against billionaire influence in politics and named Musk directly. Democrat Gina Hinojosa unseated Republican governor Greg Abbott, who was seeking a fourth term.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/space-lasers-didn-t-work-musk-s-sarcastic-take-on-trump-s-midterm-setback-1793782908823">‘Space lasers didn’t work’: Musk’s sarcastic take on Trump’s midterm setback</a><h2>How did Musk react?</h2>In the early hours of Wednesday, Musk posted on X, the platform he owns: "Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time."He added: "Data centers in space looking pretty appealing right now." This was a reference to Hinojosa, who had opposed data centre expansion in Texas.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-musk-s-445-mn-push-fails-to-protect-gop-majority-1793785441862/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-musk-s-445-mn-push-fails-to-protect-gop-majority-1793785441862/embed</a><h2>Trump's pardon pledge for Musk</h2>A day before the vote, President Donald Trump said he would "protect" Musk if a Democratic Congress investigated him. Asked on the New York Post's Pod Force One podcast about talk of probes or asset seizures, Trump said: "It's talk. But if it is talk, we'll have to protect them."Trump said he would consider pre-emptive pardons for Musk and other aides, including former staff of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk led in the early months of Trump's second term, in 2025.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-elon-musk-s-political-spending-hits-445-million-as-republicans-battle-to-retain-senate-control-1792717980206">US midterms 2026: Elon Musk’s political spending hits $445 million as Republicans battle to retain Senate control</a><h2>What risks does Musk now face?</h2>Democrats have floated probes into possible conflicts of interest involving SpaceX, Tesla and Musk's DOGE role. His companies had won several federal contracts during Trump's second term, including a $5.9 billion SpaceX deal. Musk has warned he will fight any such investigation.Texas is home to SpaceX's Starbase launch site, Tesla's headquarters and Gigafactory in Austin, and The Boring Company in Bastrop. A Democratic governor sceptical of data centres could bring tougher scrutiny of Musk's expansion plans in the state.

By some estimates, Elon Musk spent a record $474 million to back Republicans in the US midterms. That failed to deliver. Democratic victories in Texas and Congress raise questions about his political influence, and can put his business interests at risk.

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate campaign framed the US midterm elections as "the many versus the money". With results out, the many appear to have won. Elon Musk, the world's richest person, poured nearly half a billion dollars into Republican candidates and causes. Still, the Democrats took control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate on November 3. How much did Elon Musk spend on the 2026 midterms? Musk gave $445.6 million this cycle, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings up to 14 October. The figure includes money from United States of America Inc, a nonprofit he controls. Other tallies - like a New York Times report- put it at about $474 million, counting later donations and groups that do not file with the FEC. That makes Musk the largest individual donor in modern US election history, having spent nearly three times as much as the next-biggest donor. The wider Midterms cycle of 2026 was the costliest election on record. OpenSecrets projected total spending of nearly $12 billion, much of it from the wealthiest donors. Where did Musk's money go? Texas received the largest share. America PAC, the super PAC Musk founded, received $216 million. It ran Republican turnout and field operations, including a major ground campaign in Texas. The Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC for Senate Republicans, received $168 million. Filings showed $158 million of that went to Texas PAC, the biggest group backing Ken Paxton's Senate bid. The Congressional Leadership Fund, which backs House Republicans, received $30 million. Musk's trust gave $10 million to Lone Star Liberty PAC, the main outside group supporting Paxton. In all, Musk spent more than $200 million only to help Paxton. He also gave $5 million to Governor Greg Abbott, and backed groups active in Kentucky and Alaska. Also read: Trump considers pre-emptive pardons for Elon Musk if Democrats win Congress The Texas play that didn't work Texas delivered the sharpest blow to Musk's money. Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton, the state's attorney general, becoming the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in Texas since 1988. He had specifically campaigned against billionaire influence in politics and named Musk directly. Democrat Gina Hinojosa unseated Republican governor Greg Abbott, who was seeking a fourth term. Also read: ‘Space lasers didn’t work’: Musk’s sarcastic take on Trump’s midterm setback How did Musk react? In the early hours of Wednesday, Musk posted on X, the platform he owns: "Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time." He added: "Data centers in space looking pretty appealing right now." This was a reference to Hinojosa, who had opposed data centre expansion in Texas. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-musk-s-445-mn-push-fails-to-protect-gop-majority-1793785441862/embed Trump's pardon pledge for Musk A day before the vote, President Donald Trump said he would "protect" Musk if a Democratic Congress investigated him. Asked on the New York Post's Pod Force One podcast about talk of probes or asset seizures, Trump said: "It's talk. But if it is talk, we'll have to protect them." Trump said he would consider pre-emptive pardons for Musk and other aides, including former staff of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk led in the early months of Trump's second term, in 2025. Also read: US midterms 2026: Elon Musk’s political spending hits $445 million as Republicans battle to retain Senate control What risks does Musk now face? Democrats have floated probes into possible conflicts of interest involving SpaceX, Tesla and Musk's DOGE role. His companies had won several federal contracts during Trump's second term, including a $5.9 billion SpaceX deal. Musk has warned he will fight any such investigation. Texas is home to SpaceX's Starbase launch site, Tesla's headquarters and Gigafactory in Austin, and The Boring Company in Bastrop. A Democratic governor sceptical of data centres could bring tougher scrutiny of Musk's expansion plans in the state.

By some estimates, Elon Musk spent a record $474 million to back Republicans in the US midterms. That failed to deliver. Democratic victories in Texas and Congress raise questions about his political influence, and can put his business interests at risk.

US Midterms 2026: Elon Musk spent a record sum backing Republicans. Democrats still won House, Senate and Texas and he's in danger

Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday (Nov 04) appeared to poke fun at conspiracy theories about election interference, making a sarcastic remark about his supposed role after Democrats scored a major victory in the US midterm elections.&nbsp;“Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time,” Musk wrote on X, adding a shrug emoji.&nbsp;The remark came as Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Musk had spent nearly half a billion dollars backing Republican political efforts during the election cycle.&nbsp;In another post, Musk also appeared to make a sarcastic reference to the Democratic victory in Texas, where Gina Hinojosa, an opponent of data centre expansion, secured a surprise win.&nbsp;“Data centres in space looking pretty appealing right now,” he wrote on X, seemingly hinting at his plans for data centres and other infrastructure projects in Texas.<h2>Musk's donations fail to prevent Republican rout</h2>Musk contributed nearly half a billion dollars to Republican political efforts, making him the largest individual contributor in a federal election cycle since unlimited election spending was allowed in 2010, according to campaign finance tracker OpenSecrets.&nbsp;Most of his donations went to the Republican-leaning America PAC and the Republican Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a super PAC.&nbsp;In September, the SLF used $158 million in donations from Musk to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton in Texas. However, Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton, a close Trump ally, becoming the first Democrat to win statewide office in Texas since 1994.&nbsp;Addressing supporters at a victory rally in Austin, Talarico took aim at Musk and other powerful figures he said his campaign had challenged.&nbsp;“In this race, we went up against our own Goliaths. The richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the world and the entire Washington, DC establishment,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-willing-to-continue-working-with-us-after-trump-s-midterm-setback-1793780833237">China says 'willing to continue working' with US after Trump's midterm setback</a><h2>Democrats take control of both houses</h2>Democrats secured control of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to CBS News projections, ending Republican control of both chambers.&nbsp;The party flipped several Republican-held Senate seats, including in Texas, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina. CBS News projected that Democrats had secured the four-seat net gain needed to take control of the Senate.&nbsp;In the House, Democrats also crossed the 218-seat majority mark. Associated Press projections put the party at 225 seats, compared with 139 for Republicans, at the time of filing.&nbsp;The shift will give Democrats greater power to challenge Trump's legislative agenda and scrutinise his administration when the new Congress begins in January.

Elon Musk made a sarcastic remark about election interference after Republicans suffered a midterm defeat, despite his nearly half-a-billion-dollar funding for the party.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday (Nov 04) appeared to poke fun at conspiracy theories about election interference, making a sarcastic remark about his supposed role after Democrats scored a major victory in the US midterm elections. “Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time,” Musk wrote on X, adding a shrug emoji. The remark came as Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Musk had spent nearly half a billion dollars backing Republican political efforts during the election cycle. In another post, Musk also appeared to make a sarcastic reference to the Democratic victory in Texas, where Gina Hinojosa, an opponent of data centre expansion, secured a surprise win. “Data centres in space looking pretty appealing right now,” he wrote on X, seemingly hinting at his plans for data centres and other infrastructure projects in Texas. Musk's donations fail to prevent Republican rout Musk contributed nearly half a billion dollars to Republican political efforts, making him the largest individual contributor in a federal election cycle since unlimited election spending was allowed in 2010, according to campaign finance tracker OpenSecrets. Most of his donations went to the Republican-leaning America PAC and the Republican Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a super PAC. In September, the SLF used $158 million in donations from Musk to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton in Texas. However, Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton, a close Trump ally, becoming the first Democrat to win statewide office in Texas since 1994. Addressing supporters at a victory rally in Austin, Talarico took aim at Musk and other powerful figures he said his campaign had challenged. “In this race, we went up against our own Goliaths. The richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the world and the entire Washington, DC establishment,” he said. Also Read: China says 'willing to continue working' with US after Trump's midterm setback Democrats take control of both houses Democrats secured control of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to CBS News projections, ending Republican control of both chambers. The party flipped several Republican-held Senate seats, including in Texas, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina. CBS News projected that Democrats had secured the four-seat net gain needed to take control of the Senate. In the House, Democrats also crossed the 218-seat majority mark. Associated Press projections put the party at 225 seats, compared with 139 for Republicans, at the time of filing. The shift will give Democrats greater power to challenge Trump's legislative agenda and scrutinise his administration when the new Congress begins in January.

Elon Musk made a sarcastic remark about election interference after Republicans suffered a midterm defeat, despite his nearly half-a-billion-dollar funding for the party.

‘Space lasers didn’t work’: Musk’s sarcastic take on Trump’s midterm setback

Running an advanced AI chatbot can be expensive, and Elon Musk has acknowledged that Grok is facing this challenge. The billionaire said the cost of servicing xAI’s chatbot is “unsustainably high relative to revenue”, suggesting that the company is spending more to operate the service than it currently earns from it.&nbsp;His comments came after an X user complained that Grok’s usage limits were being exhausted unusually quickly. The response has brought a bigger question into focus: can AI companies turn increasingly powerful chatbots into profitable businesses?Why are Grok users hitting their limits?The discussion began when an X user, DogecoinNorway, asked Musk whether Grok’s usage limits could be reset. The user said several people had noticed their quotas running out much faster than usual.&nbsp;Musk did not promise a reset. Instead, he pointed to the financial pressure behind the restrictions, saying the cost of providing Grok was too high compared with the revenue it generated. AI chatbots require substantial computing resources to answer questions, generate content and handle complex requests. Every interaction uses processing power, while more advanced tasks can require significantly more computing. As usage grows, so does the demand for computing infrastructure. This can make it difficult for companies to offer extensive access through fixed-price subscriptions.<h2>Is Grok's subscription model covering its costs?</h2>Grok is integrated into X's paid subscription offerings, making the chatbot an important part of the platform's premium services. However, subscription revenue does not automatically translate into profit. Companies must also pay for computing hardware, data centres, electricity, infrastructure and the teams needed to develop and maintain their models. The supplied context estimates that Grok has around 800,000 paid users. However, this figure does not establish how much revenue the chatbot generates or how much it costs xAI to operate.Musk's admission suggests that the current balance between usage and revenue remains a challenge. Usage caps can help companies manage demand and control operational spending.<h2>Is the wider AI industry facing the same problem?</h2>Grok's cost challenge reflects a broader issue for the generative AI industry. Developing an advanced model is only one part of the expense. Companies must also pay to serve it every time a user makes a request. This creates a difficult business equation: users expect powerful AI tools, quick responses and generous usage limits, while providers need to recover the cost of delivering those services. For Grok subscribers, tighter limits could mean fewer queries or more restrictions on intensive tasks. xAI has not, based on the information provided, announced a specific change to subscription prices or a revised usage policy. The bigger test for AI companies is no longer simply building more capable chatbots. It is finding a way to make them financially sustainable as demand continues to grow.

Elon Musk says the cost of running Grok is too high compared with the revenue it generates. His admission comes as X users report hitting chatbot usage limits faster, raising fresh questions about the economics of AI services.

Running an advanced AI chatbot can be expensive, and Elon Musk has acknowledged that Grok is facing this challenge. The billionaire said the cost of servicing xAI’s chatbot is “unsustainably high relative to revenue”, suggesting that the company is spending more to operate the service than it currently earns from it. His comments came after an X user complained that Grok’s usage limits were being exhausted unusually quickly. The response has brought a bigger question into focus: can AI companies turn increasingly powerful chatbots into profitable businesses? Why are Grok users hitting their limits? The discussion began when an X user, DogecoinNorway, asked Musk whether Grok’s usage limits could be reset. The user said several people had noticed their quotas running out much faster than usual. Musk did not promise a reset. Instead, he pointed to the financial pressure behind the restrictions, saying the cost of providing Grok was too high compared with the revenue it generated. AI chatbots require substantial computing resources to answer questions, generate content and handle complex requests. Every interaction uses processing power, while more advanced tasks can require significantly more computing. As usage grows, so does the demand for computing infrastructure. This can make it difficult for companies to offer extensive access through fixed-price subscriptions. Is Grok's subscription model covering its costs? Grok is integrated into X's paid subscription offerings, making the chatbot an important part of the platform's premium services. However, subscription revenue does not automatically translate into profit. Companies must also pay for computing hardware, data centres, electricity, infrastructure and the teams needed to develop and maintain their models. The supplied context estimates that Grok has around 800,000 paid users. However, this figure does not establish how much revenue the chatbot generates or how much it costs xAI to operate. Musk's admission suggests that the current balance between usage and revenue remains a challenge. Usage caps can help companies manage demand and control operational spending. Is the wider AI industry facing the same problem? Grok's cost challenge reflects a broader issue for the generative AI industry. Developing an advanced model is only one part of the expense. Companies must also pay to serve it every time a user makes a request. This creates a difficult business equation: users expect powerful AI tools, quick responses and generous usage limits, while providers need to recover the cost of delivering those services. For Grok subscribers, tighter limits could mean fewer queries or more restrictions on intensive tasks. xAI has not, based on the information provided, announced a specific change to subscription prices or a revised usage policy. The bigger test for AI companies is no longer simply building more capable chatbots. It is finding a way to make them financially sustainable as demand continues to grow.

Elon Musk says the cost of running Grok is too high compared with the revenue it generates. His admission comes as X users report hitting chatbot usage limits faster, raising fresh questions about the economics of AI services.

Running AI is getting expensive: Why Elon Musk says Grok’s costs are unsustainable

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said humans must remain in control of the future, even as artificial intelligence becomes more powerful. His comments come amid growing debate over the risks of superintelligent AI. Meanwhile, Altman's remarks about personal computer memory have triggered another online exchange, with Elon Musk taking a public dig at the OpenAI chief. The two developments have put Altman in the spotlight over two different questions: who should control advanced AI, and who should have access to computer memory?<h2>Sam Altman says humans must control superintelligent AI</h2>In a post on X on Tuesday, Altman argued that people should never surrender control of their future to superintelligent AI systems. He said OpenAI opposed a future in which humans were relegated to doing things that AI systems considered worth rewarding. Altman added that people should not hand over control of the future to superintelligence, and said this principle should ultimately place limits on AI development. His comments touch on a central question in the AI industry: how can companies develop increasingly capable systems while ensuring that humans remain in charge of important decisions? The debate is becoming more significant as technology companies work towards more advanced AI models.<h2>Why did Sam Altman change his name to RAM Altman?</h2>Separately, Altman changed his X display name to 'RAM Altman' and posted: "I want you to have so much ram. lets build more." The move followed his appearance on the Cheeky Pin podcast, where he discussed rising demand for memory chips. During the conversation, Altman questioned why individuals should keep large amounts of RAM in personal computers when some of that capacity may remain unused for much of the time. He suggested that memory could be used more efficiently in cloud data centres supporting AI workloads. His remarks attracted criticism from gamers, video editors and software developers, who argued that RAM is essential for running demanding applications and everyday computer tasks.<h2>Elon Musk joins the RAM debate</h2>On November 1, Musk entered the discussion with a pointed response on X. "The people deserve to have their RAM too!" the Tesla CEO wrote. He also shared a meme mocking Altman's position. The exchange adds another chapter to the public rivalry between the two technology leaders. Beyond the online disagreement, the RAM debate reflects a wider challenge facing the technology industry. AI data centres are driving demand for memory and computing infrastructure, while consumers and professionals also depend on these components for their own devices. The question is not simply how much memory AI companies need, but how the industry balances that demand with the needs of everyday users.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says humans must retain control over the future as artificial intelligence advances towards superintelligence. Separately, his comments on personal computer memory have drawn criticism, with Elon Musk joining the debate over RAM.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said humans must remain in control of the future, even as artificial intelligence becomes more powerful. His comments come amid growing debate over the risks of superintelligent AI. Meanwhile, Altman's remarks about personal computer memory have triggered another online exchange, with Elon Musk taking a public dig at the OpenAI chief. The two developments have put Altman in the spotlight over two different questions: who should control advanced AI, and who should have access to computer memory? Sam Altman says humans must control superintelligent AI In a post on X on Tuesday, Altman argued that people should never surrender control of their future to superintelligent AI systems. He said OpenAI opposed a future in which humans were relegated to doing things that AI systems considered worth rewarding. Altman added that people should not hand over control of the future to superintelligence, and said this principle should ultimately place limits on AI development. His comments touch on a central question in the AI industry: how can companies develop increasingly capable systems while ensuring that humans remain in charge of important decisions? The debate is becoming more significant as technology companies work towards more advanced AI models. Why did Sam Altman change his name to RAM Altman? Separately, Altman changed his X display name to 'RAM Altman' and posted: "I want you to have so much ram. lets build more." The move followed his appearance on the Cheeky Pin podcast, where he discussed rising demand for memory chips. During the conversation, Altman questioned why individuals should keep large amounts of RAM in personal computers when some of that capacity may remain unused for much of the time. He suggested that memory could be used more efficiently in cloud data centres supporting AI workloads. His remarks attracted criticism from gamers, video editors and software developers, who argued that RAM is essential for running demanding applications and everyday computer tasks. Elon Musk joins the RAM debate On November 1, Musk entered the discussion with a pointed response on X. "The people deserve to have their RAM too!" the Tesla CEO wrote. He also shared a meme mocking Altman's position. The exchange adds another chapter to the public rivalry between the two technology leaders. Beyond the online disagreement, the RAM debate reflects a wider challenge facing the technology industry. AI data centres are driving demand for memory and computing infrastructure, while consumers and professionals also depend on these components for their own devices. The question is not simply how much memory AI companies need, but how the industry balances that demand with the needs of everyday users.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says humans must retain control over the future as artificial intelligence advances towards superintelligence. Separately, his comments on personal computer memory have drawn criticism, with Elon Musk joining the debate over RAM.

‘The people deserve their RAM too’: Elon Musk mocks Sam Altman’s memory comments

Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk has once again proposed the idea for regret-erasing drug Regretamine. Taking to X he wrote, “I have this great idea for a drug called Regretamine. One dose and all your regrets are gone.” Well, this is not the first time he has pitched such an idea. Here we take you through Musk's top 5 'unreal' ideas.&nbsp;<h2>Colonize Mars</h2>&nbsp;The Tesla chief wants humanity to be less dependent on Earth and therefore has urged scientists across the world to work towards building a self-sustaining city on Mars. He says that spacecraft should be sent to Mars and build habitats where humans can live.&nbsp;<h2>Connect Human Brains to Computers</h2>&nbsp;Musk wants to connect the human brain directly to computers through Neuralink and control computers using thoughts. This he says could help people with paralysis communicate. And eventually explore ways to improve human-computer interaction.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/from-smooth-climbs-to-collapses-humanoid-robots-take-on-mount-tai-carrying-eggs-and-watermelons-video-1793612191330">From smooth climbs to collapses: Humanoid robots take on Mount Tai carrying eggs and watermelons | VIDEO</a>&nbsp;<h2>Build an Underground Transportation Network</h2>&nbsp;Musk's The Boring Company wants to reduce traffic not by constructing more roads but by building underground tunnels and move vehicles through these tunnels. This he argues will create alternative routes beneath busy cities and cut time spent in traffic.&nbsp;<h2>Build Human-Like Robots</h2>&nbsp;Tesla is developing Optimus, which would be robots that can perform repetitive factory work, carry objects, help with household chores and eventually perform dangerous or boring jobs.Which could mean your future household assistant might be a robot that looks and moves like a human.&nbsp;<h2>Super-Fast Vacuum Train</h2>&nbsp;Musk proposed the Hyperloop: passenger pods travelling through low-pressure tubes at extremely high speeds. His original vision included: Speeds approaching 1,000 km/h or more. Reduced air resistance to promote extremely fast intercity travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Musk wants to connect the human brain directly to computers through Neuralink and control computers using thoughts.

Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk has once again proposed the idea for regret-erasing drug Regretamine. Taking to X he wrote, “I have this great idea for a drug called Regretamine. One dose and all your regrets are gone.” Well, this is not the first time he has pitched such an idea. Here we take you through Musk's top 5 'unreal' ideas. Colonize Mars The Tesla chief wants humanity to be less dependent on Earth and therefore has urged scientists across the world to work towards building a self-sustaining city on Mars. He says that spacecraft should be sent to Mars and build habitats where humans can live. Connect Human Brains to Computers Musk wants to connect the human brain directly to computers through Neuralink and control computers using thoughts. This he says could help people with paralysis communicate. And eventually explore ways to improve human-computer interaction. ALSO READ: From smooth climbs to collapses: Humanoid robots take on Mount Tai carrying eggs and watermelons | VIDEO Build an Underground Transportation Network Musk's The Boring Company wants to reduce traffic not by constructing more roads but by building underground tunnels and move vehicles through these tunnels. This he argues will create alternative routes beneath busy cities and cut time spent in traffic. Build Human-Like Robots Tesla is developing Optimus, which would be robots that can perform repetitive factory work, carry objects, help with household chores and eventually perform dangerous or boring jobs. Which could mean your future household assistant might be a robot that looks and moves like a human. Super-Fast Vacuum Train Musk proposed the Hyperloop: passenger pods travelling through low-pressure tubes at extremely high speeds. His original vision included: Speeds approaching 1,000 km/h or more. Reduced air resistance to promote extremely fast intercity travel.

Musk wants to connect the human brain directly to computers through Neuralink and control computers using thoughts.

Regretamine to brain-computer interface: Musk's top 5 'unreal' ideas

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as a “real genius”, revealing that Moscow is in close contact with the billionaire over satellite technology. Speaking at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on Wednesday (Oct 28), Putin discussed Russia’s satellite internet project, Rassvet, and the need to coordinate its operations with Musk’s Starlink network.“He’s a genius, a real genius,” Putin said of Musk, according to a BBC translation. “We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr Musk.”<h2>Why Russia wants to coordinate with Starlink</h2>Putin said communication with Musk was important to prevent satellites operated by the two networks from interfering with one another in orbit.“We and our American partners value this mutually, and despite all the political questions, we are working hard,” he said.Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has launched roughly 13,000 satellites, according to the company. Russia’s Rassvet network, by comparison, has only a couple of dozen satellites currently in orbit, according to online satellite trackers.The Russian Embassy in South Africa described Rassvet as “Russia’s Starlink alternative”, adding that the project “marks only the country’s first steps in this field”.<h2>Starlink’s role in the Ukraine war</h2>Musk’s satellite network has played a significant role in Ukraine’s war effort, helping the country maintain communications as Russian forces advance. However, Ukrainian military forces experienced sudden Starlink connectivity problems last week, with Musk acknowledging that SpaceX had deliberately disrupted the service.Putin’s remarks come amid signs of renewed engagement between Washington and Moscow, even as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its five-year mark.US President Donald Trump recently announced a deal with Russia to import diesel to help ease soaring fuel prices linked to the US war with Iran ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. His administration also waived certain sanctions against Russia.Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff described Putin as a “humanitarian” after a US citizen was released from Russian custody.Musk, who was born in South Africa before moving to the United States, has emerged as a prominent political ally and financial supporter of Trump and other Republican politicians. His companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, are based in the US, most operating from California and Texas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called Elon Musk a “real genius”, revealing close contact over satellite technology as Moscow develops Rassvet, its alternative to Starlink.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as a “real genius”, revealing that Moscow is in close contact with the billionaire over satellite technology. Speaking at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on Wednesday (Oct 28), Putin discussed Russia’s satellite internet project, Rassvet, and the need to coordinate its operations with Musk’s Starlink network. “He’s a genius, a real genius,” Putin said of Musk, according to a BBC translation. “We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr Musk.” Why Russia wants to coordinate with Starlink Putin said communication with Musk was important to prevent satellites operated by the two networks from interfering with one another in orbit. “We and our American partners value this mutually, and despite all the political questions, we are working hard,” he said. Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has launched roughly 13,000 satellites, according to the company. Russia’s Rassvet network, by comparison, has only a couple of dozen satellites currently in orbit, according to online satellite trackers. The Russian Embassy in South Africa described Rassvet as “Russia’s Starlink alternative”, adding that the project “marks only the country’s first steps in this field”. Starlink’s role in the Ukraine war Musk’s satellite network has played a significant role in Ukraine’s war effort, helping the country maintain communications as Russian forces advance. However, Ukrainian military forces experienced sudden Starlink connectivity problems last week, with Musk acknowledging that SpaceX had deliberately disrupted the service. Putin’s remarks come amid signs of renewed engagement between Washington and Moscow, even as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its five-year mark. US President Donald Trump recently announced a deal with Russia to import diesel to help ease soaring fuel prices linked to the US war with Iran ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. His administration also waived certain sanctions against Russia. Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff described Putin as a “humanitarian” after a US citizen was released from Russian custody. Musk, who was born in South Africa before moving to the United States, has emerged as a prominent political ally and financial supporter of Trump and other Republican politicians. His companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, are based in the US, most operating from California and Texas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called Elon Musk a “real genius”, revealing close contact over satellite technology as Moscow develops Rassvet, its alternative to Starlink.

Putin cosying up to Trump loyals? Russian Prez calls Musk ‘genius’, reveals they are in ‘close’ contact

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence ambitions have taken a new step into filmmaking, with Grok Imagine releasing the first instalment of its AI-generated adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey. The seven-minute episode arrives months after Musk pledged to deliver a full-length version of the ancient Greek epic that he described as “historically accurate” by the end of 2026. The release offers an early look at the project, although the promised feature film has yet to arrive<h2>Grok’s AI-generated ‘The Odyssey’ begins with a seven-minute episode</h2>The first chapter was posted on October 23 by the Grok Imagine account on X. The project credits Wonder Studios and director Dev Walker as creative collaborators. The footage follows Odysseus as he prepares to leave for the Trojan expedition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/elon-musk-vs-christopher-nolan-continues-billionaire-will-make-historically-accurate-odyssey-film-using-ai-grok-1784780123286">Elon Musk vs Christopher Nolan continues! Billionaire will make ‘historically accurate’ Odyssey film using AI-Grok</a>&nbsp;It includes a scene in which Penelope tells him he must undertake the journey, as well as sequences showing the Greek forces setting sail towards Troy. The narrative also cuts to Telemachus growing up and training for combat.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/clayface-tops-north-american-box-office-elizabeth-holmes-documentary-follows-close-behind-1792978178273">Clayface tops North American box office, Elizabeth Holmes documentary follows close behind</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch Episode 1 of our Odyssey series made with Grok Imagine.

Let us know in the comments if you'd like a full breakdown of how it was done! 

Creative collaboration with @WonderStudiosX and director Dev Walker @glumlot_ https://t.co/xpgpkqSCpq&mdash; Grok Imagine (@imagine) <a href="https://x.com/imagine/status/2113712964419063911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The episode provides an initial glimpse of how Grok Imagine is being used to create a longer cinematic narrative through AI-generated visuals. The company has not announced further episode details in the post accompanying the release.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/kim-kardashian-kris-jenner-turn-heads-with-bold-looks-at-all-s-fair-season-2-premiere-in-rome-1792921767088">Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner turn heads at All's Fair S2 premiere in Rome</a><h2>Musk had promised a full-length film by the end of 2026</h2>In July, Musk announced on X that Grok Imagine would create a feature-length version of The Odyssey before the end of the year. He described the planned production as “historically accurate and true to the art of Homer”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/doctor-x-kim-ji-won-s-medical-drama-faces-petition-to-suspend-broadcast-over-may-18-uprising-storyline-1792926495971">Doctor X: Kim Ji Won’s drama faces petition to suspend broadcast; Here's why</a>&nbsp;The pledge followed the circulation of shorter AI-generated footage inspired by the epic. The newly released episode brings the project closer to that ambition, but it does not fulfil the original promise of a completed feature film. It also leaves questions about the eventual film’s length, release schedule and how the remaining story will be produced. No additional timeline was provided with the first episode.<h2>Internet reacts to Grok's The Odyssey episode</h2>The release has sparked discussion about whether AI-generated footage can match the storytelling and artistry of traditional filmmaking. While some coverage acknowledged that certain visuals looked convincing, critics questioned the episode’s pacing, dialogue and emotional impact.One user wrote, “Hard pass. AI will never replace the talent of actors, writers, directors and editors.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">@imagine @WonderStudiosX @glumlot_ Hard pass. AI will never replace the talent of actors, writers, directors and editors. This shit slop.&mdash; Kal. (@chicagoborndude) <a href="https://x.com/chicagoborndude/status/2114494624161047022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another user wrote, "Perfectly encapsulates Elon's taste. Absolute s**t."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">@imagine @WonderStudiosX @glumlot_ Perfectly encapsulates Elon’s taste. 
Absolute shit.&mdash; gabe (@gabegenesis) <a href="https://x.com/gabegenesis/status/2114472683547066369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"That is as bas as Zack Snyder movie. Tone was all over the f*****g place @elonmusk who knew you AI machine is a terrible f*****g director!! Slop", wrote the third user.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">@imagine @WonderStudiosX @glumlot_ This is as bad as a Zack Snyder movie. Tone was all over the fucking place @elonmusk who knew your AI machine is a terrible fucking director!!! Slop&mdash; BeantownBrandon (@PatriotsLopez) <a href="https://x.com/PatriotsLopez/status/2114449084694315304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Grok Imagine has released a seven-minute opening episode of its AI-generated The Odyssey series on X. The project was created in collaboration with Wonder Studios and director Dev Walker. Read to know more.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence ambitions have taken a new step into filmmaking, with Grok Imagine releasing the first instalment of its AI-generated adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey. The seven-minute episode arrives months after Musk pledged to deliver a full-length version of the ancient Greek epic that he described as “historically accurate” by the end of 2026. The release offers an early look at the project, although the promised feature film has yet to arrive Grok’s AI-generated ‘The Odyssey’ begins with a seven-minute episode The first chapter was posted on October 23 by the Grok Imagine account on X. The project credits Wonder Studios and director Dev Walker as creative collaborators. The footage follows Odysseus as he prepares to leave for the Trojan expedition. Also Read: Elon Musk vs Christopher Nolan continues! Billionaire will make ‘historically accurate’ Odyssey film using AI-Grok It includes a scene in which Penelope tells him he must undertake the journey, as well as sequences showing the Greek forces setting sail towards Troy. The narrative also cuts to Telemachus growing up and training for combat. Also Read: Clayface tops North American box office, Elizabeth Holmes documentary follows close behind

Grok Imagine has released a seven-minute opening episode of its AI-generated The Odyssey series on X. The project was created in collaboration with Wonder Studios and director Dev Walker. Read to know more.&nbsp;

Elon Musk’s Grok releases first AI-generated  Odyssey episode, months after promising ‘historically accurate’ full-length film

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has gained access to some of the US military’s most precise satellite-tracking data, a move that has raised concerns over national security, competition and the future of space traffic management. The agreement with the US Space Force gives SpaceX access to detailed information about objects orbiting Earth, including satellites and space debris. Industry observers warn that the arrangement could give Musk’s company an advantage over competitors offering similar services.The development also comes as the Trump administration faces scrutiny over its handling of a federal programme designed to manage traffic in space.<h2>SpaceX gains access to military tracking data</h2>For the first time, the Space Force has granted a commercial company enhanced access to the US Space Command’s High Accuracy Catalog. The information includes Vector Covariance Messages, which contain tracking data gathered through military radars, telescopes and ground-based sensors.These systems can track objects as small as 10 centimetres in low Earth orbit, helping operators assess potential collisions.SpaceX already runs Stargaze, a satellite-based tracking network that uses cameras and radars mounted on its Starlink satellites. However, the system cannot detect objects as small as those identified by the military's more precise tracking network.The new arrangement allows SpaceX to supplement its existing capabilities. In return, the government will receive access to Stargaze's observations and sensors.<h2>Concerns over competition and security</h2>Critics say the deal could strengthen SpaceX's position in a commercial space industry projected to approach $2 trillion over the next decade.Cole Donovan, a former employee of the federal Traffic Coordination System for Space (Traccs), warned that the arrangement risked making SpaceX the dominant provider of space traffic coordination in the US.“It’s making a company the de facto source for space traffic coordination within the US,” Donovan said.The military data is classified as controlled unclassified information, as wider access could expose details about the capabilities and limitations of US surveillance systems.<h2>Traccs funding adds to the debate</h2>The deal comes amid a prolonged struggle over Traccs, which was established to transfer commercial space traffic management responsibilities away from the military. The programme has faced staffing problems and repeated budget-cutting attempts, although Congress restored funding after proposed reductions.While critics see the SpaceX agreement as a threat to fair competition, a former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration official defended the company's role, arguing that the government had failed to establish an effective framework for managing space traffic.The arrangement has therefore intensified a wider debate over whether commercial companies should assume responsibilities traditionally handled by the government.

The US military has granted SpaceX access to sensitive satellite-tracking data, raising national security concerns and fears that Elon Musk’s company could gain an unfair advantage in space traffic management.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has gained access to some of the US military’s most precise satellite-tracking data, a move that has raised concerns over national security, competition and the future of space traffic management. The agreement with the US Space Force gives SpaceX access to detailed information about objects orbiting Earth, including satellites and space debris. Industry observers warn that the arrangement could give Musk’s company an advantage over competitors offering similar services. The development also comes as the Trump administration faces scrutiny over its handling of a federal programme designed to manage traffic in space. SpaceX gains access to military tracking data For the first time, the Space Force has granted a commercial company enhanced access to the US Space Command’s High Accuracy Catalog. The information includes Vector Covariance Messages, which contain tracking data gathered through military radars, telescopes and ground-based sensors. These systems can track objects as small as 10 centimetres in low Earth orbit, helping operators assess potential collisions. SpaceX already runs Stargaze, a satellite-based tracking network that uses cameras and radars mounted on its Starlink satellites. However, the system cannot detect objects as small as those identified by the military's more precise tracking network. The new arrangement allows SpaceX to supplement its existing capabilities. In return, the government will receive access to Stargaze's observations and sensors. Concerns over competition and security Critics say the deal could strengthen SpaceX's position in a commercial space industry projected to approach $2 trillion over the next decade. Cole Donovan, a former employee of the federal Traffic Coordination System for Space (Traccs), warned that the arrangement risked making SpaceX the dominant provider of space traffic coordination in the US. “It’s making a company the de facto source for space traffic coordination within the US,” Donovan said. The military data is classified as controlled unclassified information, as wider access could expose details about the capabilities and limitations of US surveillance systems. Traccs funding adds to the debate The deal comes amid a prolonged struggle over Traccs, which was established to transfer commercial space traffic management responsibilities away from the military. The programme has faced staffing problems and repeated budget-cutting attempts, although Congress restored funding after proposed reductions. While critics see the SpaceX agreement as a threat to fair competition, a former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration official defended the company's role, arguing that the government had failed to establish an effective framework for managing space traffic. The arrangement has therefore intensified a wider debate over whether commercial companies should assume responsibilities traditionally handled by the government.

The US military has granted SpaceX access to sensitive satellite-tracking data, raising national security concerns and fears that Elon Musk’s company could gain an unfair advantage in space traffic management.

Is Trump risking US national security? Musk’s SpaceX gets access to sensitive military data

Billionaire Elon Musk has donated at least $445 million to influence election outcomes this cycle, with a significant portion of his contributions directed toward helping Republicans maintain their control of the US Senate. The massive spending has established the world’s richest man as the largest disclosed donor in the midterm races, which will determine control of Congress during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term in the White House.&nbsp;Filings submitted to the Federal Election Commission on Thursday, providing the final snapshot of political contributions before Election Day, revealed that Musk injected another $76.8 million into his super PAC during the first two weeks of October. His contributions had already been substantial in the preceding months. In September, Musk donated a total of $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, which is aligned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. He also made donations worth tens of millions of dollars to super PACs involved in House races.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-us-supreme-court-allows-new-hampshire-to-restrict-student-ids-for-voting-1792708633085">US midterms 2026: US Supreme Court allows New Hampshire to restrict student IDs for voting</a>&nbsp;Musk’s own political group, America PAC, is also playing an active role in the midterm elections. The organisation is financing mailers, digital advertisements and text-message campaigns designed to encourage Republican voters to turn out. Musk’s overall political spending during the two-year period also extends to state-level elections. Last year, for example, America PAC participated in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race, making an unsuccessful attempt to help a conservative candidate win a seat.<h2>Musk threatens Democrats</h2>Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, has warned Democrats who are planning to investigate his business interests and role in the federal government if they gain control of Congress in November. Musk responded on Wednesday to a Politico report outlining Democratic plans to investigate his activities should the party win the upcoming midterm elections.&nbsp;"Live by the sword, die by the sword," Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he owns. He followed the post with another warning directed at those seeking to investigate him. "Those who pick fights with me should understand that I will find out who is really pulling the strings and come for them, not just their puppets," Musk added on the platform, which he regularly uses to promote conspiracy theories.

Elon Musk has donated at least $445 million to US midterm elections, backing Republican Senate and House campaigns through major super PAC contributions

Billionaire Elon Musk has donated at least $445 million to influence election outcomes this cycle, with a significant portion of his contributions directed toward helping Republicans maintain their control of the US Senate. The massive spending has established the world’s richest man as the largest disclosed donor in the midterm races, which will determine control of Congress during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term in the White House. Filings submitted to the Federal Election Commission on Thursday, providing the final snapshot of political contributions before Election Day, revealed that Musk injected another $76.8 million into his super PAC during the first two weeks of October. His contributions had already been substantial in the preceding months. In September, Musk donated a total of $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, which is aligned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. He also made donations worth tens of millions of dollars to super PACs involved in House races. Also Read: US midterms 2026: US Supreme Court allows New Hampshire to restrict student IDs for voting Musk’s own political group, America PAC, is also playing an active role in the midterm elections. The organisation is financing mailers, digital advertisements and text-message campaigns designed to encourage Republican voters to turn out. Musk’s overall political spending during the two-year period also extends to state-level elections. Last year, for example, America PAC participated in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race, making an unsuccessful attempt to help a conservative candidate win a seat. Musk threatens Democrats Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, has warned Democrats who are planning to investigate his business interests and role in the federal government if they gain control of Congress in November. Musk responded on Wednesday to a Politico report outlining Democratic plans to investigate his activities should the party win the upcoming midterm elections. "Live by the sword, die by the sword," Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he owns. He followed the post with another warning directed at those seeking to investigate him. "Those who pick fights with me should understand that I will find out who is really pulling the strings and come for them, not just their puppets," Musk added on the platform, which he regularly uses to promote conspiracy theories.

Elon Musk has donated at least $445 million to influence US midterm elections, with major contributions aimed at helping Republicans retain Senate control

US midterms 2026: Elon Musk’s political spending hits $445 million as Republicans battle to retain Senate control

President Donald Trump called Elon Musk on Wednesday and asked the SpaceX chief to remove restrictions on a military-grade version of Starlink in Ukraine, which Musk had throttled, according to US officials in an article published in The Wall Street Journal. The satellite internet system was operating more normally on Thursday, shortly after the conversation, US and Ukrainian officials said. However, some Ukrainian officials reported that full functionality had not been restored, although connection speeds had improved compared with the restricted levels.&nbsp;According to officials, Trump told Musk he was frustrated that Starlink’s speeds remained capped at around 100 miles an hour. The restriction left some Ukrainian offensive drones and interceptors unable to effectively counter Russian attacks. The conversation followed a Wall Street Journal report revealing that Musk had ordered the slowdown. SpaceX and the White House have offered differing accounts of whether Musk made the decision independently or at the administration’s direction.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-the-heat-ray-weapon-pete-hegseth-reportedly-authorises-dhs-to-test-it-at-us-mexico-border-1792696490814">What is the ‘heat ray’ weapon? Pete Hegseth reportedly authorises DHS to test it at US-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;Trump has told aides and allies this week that he wanted to reverse the Starlink slowdown. Ukrainian forces rely on the satellite network to defend positions along the front line, officials said. For the past week, the president and senior administration officials have faced questions about why Starlink was throttled and whether the administration directed the move. The slowdown started days after Trump and Musk publicly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for attacking Russian diesel refineries, which Trump blames for higher energy prices. Trump has repeatedly denied ordering the restriction or knowing who was responsible. The Journal previously reported that he spoke with Musk hours after the slowdown became public.&nbsp;The connectivity problems further strained US-Ukraine relations, bringing them to their lowest point in months. Asked about Musk’s decision to throttle Starlink, Vice President JD Vance told reporters on Thursday, “it’s completely understandable that he doesn’t want to get in the middle of a war without the US government effectively directing him on what to do.” “I don’t think this is about Elon. I think it’s fundamentally about what America’s policy in Ukraine and Russia is going to be,” he continued.&nbsp;Vance’s remarks differed from statements by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Musk had the authority to enforce his company’s terms of service without input from the administration. “There are terms of service that ultimately need to be complied to, and that’s where Starlink has the option to make those decisions,” Hegseth said, speaking to reporters earlier this week.&nbsp;The speed restriction prevented Ukrainian hardware traveling at high speeds from maintaining connections to Starlink’s satellite network, according to people familiar with the matter. Ukrainian officials warned that the move would cost Ukrainian lives. On Thursday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) announced an investigation into how Starlink’s service was degraded for Ukraine without notice and the implications of the Pentagon’s dependence on SpaceX for critical satellite communications.

Trump urged Elon Musk to lift Starlink restrictions in Ukraine after speed caps disrupted military drones and interceptors amid Russian attacks

President Donald Trump called Elon Musk on Wednesday and asked the SpaceX chief to remove restrictions on a military-grade version of Starlink in Ukraine, which Musk had throttled, according to US officials in an article published in The Wall Street Journal. The satellite internet system was operating more normally on Thursday, shortly after the conversation, US and Ukrainian officials said. However, some Ukrainian officials reported that full functionality had not been restored, although connection speeds had improved compared with the restricted levels. According to officials, Trump told Musk he was frustrated that Starlink’s speeds remained capped at around 100 miles an hour. The restriction left some Ukrainian offensive drones and interceptors unable to effectively counter Russian attacks. The conversation followed a Wall Street Journal report revealing that Musk had ordered the slowdown. SpaceX and the White House have offered differing accounts of whether Musk made the decision independently or at the administration’s direction. Also Read: What is the ‘heat ray’ weapon? Pete Hegseth reportedly authorises DHS to test it at US-Mexico border Trump has told aides and allies this week that he wanted to reverse the Starlink slowdown. Ukrainian forces rely on the satellite network to defend positions along the front line, officials said. For the past week, the president and senior administration officials have faced questions about why Starlink was throttled and whether the administration directed the move. The slowdown started days after Trump and Musk publicly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for attacking Russian diesel refineries, which Trump blames for higher energy prices. Trump has repeatedly denied ordering the restriction or knowing who was responsible. The Journal previously reported that he spoke with Musk hours after the slowdown became public. The connectivity problems further strained US-Ukraine relations, bringing them to their lowest point in months. Asked about Musk’s decision to throttle Starlink, Vice President JD Vance told reporters on Thursday, “it’s completely understandable that he doesn’t want to get in the middle of a war without the US government effectively directing him on what to do.” “I don’t think this is about Elon. I think it’s fundamentally about what America’s policy in Ukraine and Russia is going to be,” he continued. Vance’s remarks differed from statements by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Musk had the authority to enforce his company’s terms of service without input from the administration. “There are terms of service that ultimately need to be complied to, and that’s where Starlink has the option to make those decisions,” Hegseth said, speaking to reporters earlier this week. The speed restriction prevented Ukrainian hardware traveling at high speeds from maintaining connections to Starlink’s satellite network, according to people familiar with the matter. Ukrainian officials warned that the move would cost Ukrainian lives. On Thursday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) announced an investigation into how Starlink’s service was degraded for Ukraine without notice and the implications of the Pentagon’s dependence on SpaceX for critical satellite communications.

Trump urged Elon Musk to lift Starlink speed restrictions in Ukraine, as improved connectivity raised hopes for stronger Ukrainian military operations

Trump called Musk to lift Starlink restrictions affecting Ukraine's military operation: Report

Billionaires Elon Musk and Michael Bloomberg are stepping into the spotlight as the United States gears up for the 2026 midterm elections. With political spending and campaign funding under scrutiny, the role of wealthy donors in shaping the electoral landscape is drawing fresh attention.


Billionaires in the ring: Musk & Bloomberg fund the midterms

Democratic Party leaders have filed a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump and members of his administration, accusing federal officials of using ‘threats and intimidation’ against state and local election authorities ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Tuesday by Democratic governors, congressional leaders and other party organisations. The defendants include Trump, Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Justice Department and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, among others.&nbsp;The complaint alleges that federal officials have attempted to interfere with election administration through repeated pressure on officials responsible for overseeing voting procedures across the country. "Justice and Homeland Security officials have sought to bolster their interference efforts through a persistent stream of threats and intimidation directed towards state and local election officials across the country," the complaint reads.<h2>Democrats challenge federal request over California voter rolls</h2>Democratic officials criticised a federal government request that California withhold ballots from more than 20,000 registered voters over questions about their citizenship. According to the lawsuit, the request was made with just 48 hours' notice. The Democrats described the government's list of potentially ineligible voters as remarkably slapdash, comparing it with a similar effort in Nevada.&nbsp;In that state, officials initially identified approximately 16,000 people on voter rolls as potential noncitizens. That figure was later reduced to 185, and Democrats argued that Nevada subsequently determined all those individuals were US citizens. The lawsuit asks the federal court to declare the administration's actions unlawful, arguing that they violate the constitutional separation of powers. It also seeks an order preventing federal officials from continuing to unconstitutionally impose themselves upon election administration procedures.&nbsp;The Democratic organisations warned that the administration's conduct could discourage eligible citizens from participating in elections, particularly naturalised Americans. "Such threats intimidate and coerce election officials who aid and urge registered voters to cast ballots, as well as lawful voters, particularly naturalized citizens, who seek to exercise their most fundamental right," the Democratic entities wrote.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-heard-in-iran-s-hormozgan-province-near-strait-of-hormuz-state-media-1792616260086">Explosions heard in Iran’s Hormozgan province near Strait of Hormuz: State media</a><h2>Trump administration's election policies face legal challenges</h2>Trump and his allies have repeatedly raised concerns about alleged voter fraud, including claims that large numbers of noncitizens have participated in federal elections. However, official data indicate that documented instances of noncitizen voting are rare. Several Trump administration initiatives aimed at changing election rules before the midterms have also encountered legal and procedural obstacles. These include proposed restrictions on voting by mail.&nbsp;The US Constitution gives states primary responsibility for administering elections, although federal law establishes certain requirements and protections. Federal law also restricts systematic changes to voter registration lists within 90 days of a federal election, subject to applicable exceptions. The lawsuit adds to the broader legal battle over the administration's authority to influence election procedures as both parties prepare for the congressional contests.<h2>Elon Musk threatens Democrats over potential congressional investigations</h2>In a separate political development, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump, issued a warning to Democrats planning investigations into his business interests and role in the federal government should they gain control of Congress in November. Musk responded on Wednesday to a Politico news report discussing Democratic plans to investigate his activities if the party wins the midterm elections.&nbsp;"Live by the sword, die by the sword," Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he owns. He followed the post with another warning directed at those seeking to investigate him. "Those who pick fights with me should understand that I will find out who is really pulling the strings and come for them, not just their puppets," Musk added on the platform, which he regularly uses to promote conspiracy theories.&nbsp;Musk is a major financial supporter of Trump's Republican Party, an adviser to the president and a prominent government contractor through his aerospace company, SpaceX. He also leads Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer. After helping finance Trump's return to the White House in the 2024 election, Musk led a controversial initiative to reduce federal spending and cut government employment. The effort pushed nearly 300,000 employees out of work, according to the supplied report.<h2>Democrats could gain investigative power in Congress</h2>Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, but Democrats are expected to have a strong opportunity to win the House of Representatives in the November 3 midterm elections. A Democratic majority in the House would give the party control of powerful investigative committees, which can issue subpoenas and compel witnesses to provide testimony under applicable congressional rules.&nbsp;Such a shift could place Musk under increased scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest involving his companies, government contracts and advisory role in the Trump administration. Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren has raised concerns about the relationships between Musk's business interests and his government connections. "The sheer number of conflicts of interest are astounding," influential Democrat Zoe Lofgren was quoted as saying in Politico's report.<h2>Election dispute and Musk controversy add to midterm tensions</h2>The lawsuit over election administration and Musk's warning to Democratic lawmakers underscore the political tensions surrounding the approaching midterm elections. Democrats are challenging what they describe as federal interference in state-run election processes while preparing to use congressional oversight powers if they secure control of the House. Meanwhile, Musk's public statements signal a potential confrontation with Democratic lawmakers over investigations into his business activities and government relationships.

Democrats sue Trump and administration officials over alleged election interference ahead of the 2026 midterms as Elon Musk threatens congressional investigators

Democratic Party leaders have filed a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump and members of his administration, accusing federal officials of using ‘threats and intimidation’ against state and local election authorities ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Tuesday by Democratic governors, congressional leaders and other party organisations. The defendants include Trump, Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Justice Department and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, among others. The complaint alleges that federal officials have attempted to interfere with election administration through repeated pressure on officials responsible for overseeing voting procedures across the country. "Justice and Homeland Security officials have sought to bolster their interference efforts through a persistent stream of threats and intimidation directed towards state and local election officials across the country," the complaint reads. Democrats challenge federal request over California voter rolls Democratic officials criticised a federal government request that California withhold ballots from more than 20,000 registered voters over questions about their citizenship. According to the lawsuit, the request was made with just 48 hours' notice. The Democrats described the government's list of potentially ineligible voters as remarkably slapdash, comparing it with a similar effort in Nevada. In that state, officials initially identified approximately 16,000 people on voter rolls as potential noncitizens. That figure was later reduced to 185, and Democrats argued that Nevada subsequently determined all those individuals were US citizens. The lawsuit asks the federal court to declare the administration's actions unlawful, arguing that they violate the constitutional separation of powers. It also seeks an order preventing federal officials from continuing to unconstitutionally impose themselves upon election administration procedures. The Democratic organisations warned that the administration's conduct could discourage eligible citizens from participating in elections, particularly naturalised Americans. "Such threats intimidate and coerce election officials who aid and urge registered voters to cast ballots, as well as lawful voters, particularly naturalized citizens, who seek to exercise their most fundamental right," the Democratic entities wrote. Also Read: Explosions heard in Iran’s Hormozgan province near Strait of Hormuz: State media Trump administration's election policies face legal challenges Trump and his allies have repeatedly raised concerns about alleged voter fraud, including claims that large numbers of noncitizens have participated in federal elections. However, official data indicate that documented instances of noncitizen voting are rare. Several Trump administration initiatives aimed at changing election rules before the midterms have also encountered legal and procedural obstacles. These include proposed restrictions on voting by mail. The US Constitution gives states primary responsibility for administering elections, although federal law establishes certain requirements and protections. Federal law also restricts systematic changes to voter registration lists within 90 days of a federal election, subject to applicable exceptions. The lawsuit adds to the broader legal battle over the administration's authority to influence election procedures as both parties prepare for the congressional contests. Elon Musk threatens Democrats over potential congressional investigations In a separate political development, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump, issued a warning to Democrats planning investigations into his business interests and role in the federal government should they gain control of Congress in November. Musk responded on Wednesday to a Politico news report discussing Democratic plans to investigate his activities if the party wins the midterm elections. "Live by the sword, die by the sword," Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he owns. He followed the post with another warning directed at those seeking to investigate him. "Those who pick fights with me should understand that I will find out who is really pulling the strings and come for them, not just their puppets," Musk added on the platform, which he regularly uses to promote conspiracy theories. Musk is a major financial supporter of Trump's Republican Party, an adviser to the president and a prominent government contractor through his aerospace company, SpaceX. He also leads Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer. After helping finance Trump's return to the White House in the 2024 election, Musk led a controversial initiative to reduce federal spending and cut government employment. The effort pushed nearly 300,000 employees out of work, according to the supplied report. Democrats could gain investigative power in Congress Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, but Democrats are expected to have a strong opportunity to win the House of Representatives in the November 3 midterm elections. A Democratic majority in the House would give the party control of powerful investigative committees, which can issue subpoenas and compel witnesses to provide testimony under applicable congressional rules. Such a shift could place Musk under increased scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest involving his companies, government contracts and advisory role in the Trump administration. Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren has raised concerns about the relationships between Musk's business interests and his government connections. "The sheer number of conflicts of interest are astounding," influential Democrat Zoe Lofgren was quoted as saying in Politico's report. Election dispute and Musk controversy add to midterm tensions The lawsuit over election administration and Musk's warning to Democratic lawmakers underscore the political tensions surrounding the approaching midterm elections. Democrats are challenging what they describe as federal interference in state-run election processes while preparing to use congressional oversight powers if they secure control of the House. Meanwhile, Musk's public statements signal a potential confrontation with Democratic lawmakers over investigations into his business activities and government relationships.

Democrats sue Trump over alleged election interference as Elon Musk warns lawmakers planning investigations if they win control of Congress

US midterms: Democrats sue Trump administration over alleged 'threats and intimidation' ahead of election, Musk issues warning to Dems

Reports, including The Wall Street Journal, suggest that restrictions on satellite internet services used by Ukraine’s military followed an order from SpaceX chief Elon Musk. Security concerns are a key reason for delays in Starlink’s entry into India. Earlier this month, Musk entered into a public social media spat with rival companies in India’s satellite internet market. The Indian government defended its security requirements. Now, the Ukraine situation news adds fresh dimensions. If Starlink is allowed in India, will it be at the mercy of Musk’s kill switch? Let us look at the technology and the politics.<h2>Was Starlink shut down in Ukraine?</h2>The satellite internet service, strategically crucial to Ukraine’s war effort against Russia, was not shut down entirely. Reports describe restrictions on a military-grade satellite communications service used by Ukrainian forces, identified as Starshield. There are conflicting reports about whether the affected terminals used Starshield or the commercial version of Starlink service.Speed restrictions on Starlink-attached devices or terminals were reported around October 13–14, which caught Ukraine’s military off guard. Terminals on faster-moving drones reportedly lost connectivity above certain speed thresholds, impairing drone interception and long-range strike missions.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on October 17 that terminals in Ukraine were facing speed limits. Reports said the restrictions affected drones travelling at speeds above roughly 100 mph (160 km/h).Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tap-dancing-through-a-minefield-musk-backs-spacex-tesla-merger-as-ai-boom-fuels-rocket-firm-s-first-profit-1792548716446">'Tap dancing through a minefield': Musk backs SpaceX-Tesla merger as AI boom fuels rocket firm's first profit</a><h2>Musk denies responsibility, but reports suggest otherwise</h2>Musk had earlier said that SpaceX was not responsible for the restrictions, arguing that Starshield is owned and controlled by the US government. He said its speed and usage limits are set by the US military and ultimately the President, Donald Trump. Commercial Starlink, which is different from Starshield, is intended for civilian and authorised uses, Musk said.Some US officials disputed reports of a deliberate restriction, while The Wall Street Journal and other outlets attributed the throttling decision to SpaceX, and by implication, Musk himself. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon had not withdrawn support or taken anything away from Ukraine's Starlink apparatus.This is not the first time: In the early years of the conflict, SpaceX refused a Ukrainian request in 2022 to enable Starlink coverage near Crimea for a naval drone attack on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. This was a refusal to activate coverage in a specific area, rather than a shutdown of an existing service.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-india-clash-over-starlink-s-market-entry-terms-1791624912670/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-india-clash-over-starlink-s-market-entry-terms-1791624912670/embed</a><h2>How Starlink can switch on and off: geofencing and software controls</h2>SpaceX remotely operates Starlink’s satellite network and associated ground systems. Network access can be controlled through software and service configurations, without any physical intervention.Geofencing technology can restrict coverage in specific areas. Service can also be limited by speed, bandwidth, priority or permitted use, depending on the system and service agreement.Individual terminals can be authorised or blocked centrally. SpaceX can also decline to activate service in a requested area or restrict access to specific terminals.Whitelists and blacklists can help authorise or block terminals. Ukraine and SpaceX in the past took steps to prevent Russian forces from using captured or unauthorised Starlink terminals, although the precise technical measures are not fully known.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-years-3-licenses-zero-launch-why-elon-musk-s-starlink-is-still-struggling-to-crack-indian-market-explained-1791586731727">Four years, 3 licenses, zero launch: Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink still struggling to crack Indian market? EXPLAINED</a><h2>SpaceX directly controls commercial Starlink</h2>Regardless of who ordered the restrictions on the military-grade service, SpaceX has substantial operational control over commercial Starlink. That includes network configuration, coverage and terminal authorisation.Starshield differs in its focus on government and defence customers, including specialised security requirements. It can be procured through US government channels, including the US Space Force and the Department of Defence. Although Ukraine can coordinate terminal registrations, it does not independently control SpaceX’s network.The US government can impose restrictions on Starshield through its contracts and oversight arrangements. Under the Outer Space Treaty, the US also bears international responsibility for national activities in outer space, including those conducted by private entities.Commercial Starlink, however, is not ordinarily under the day-to-day operational command of the US government. Nevertheless, Washington can influence SpaceX through contracts, regulation, licensing requirements and applicable emergency powers.<h2>The India question of Starlink entry</h2>India wants satellite internet operators to comply with domestic security requirements, including setting up local ground infrastructure. In the past, India has recovered Starlink devices during law-enforcement and military operations. India seeks to balance the benefits of satellite connectivity with national security.Now add these things up and ask yourself: Was India right to seek additional security safeguards before granting Starlink permission to operate in the country?

Elon Musk’s reported Starlink restrictions in Ukraine raise questions about who controls the satellite internet owned by his company SpaceX. India’s security concerns highlight the risks of relying on a private foreign network. Here is the tech, and the politics

Reports, including The Wall Street Journal, suggest that restrictions on satellite internet services used by Ukraine’s military followed an order from SpaceX chief Elon Musk. Security concerns are a key reason for delays in Starlink’s entry into India. Earlier this month, Musk entered into a public social media spat with rival companies in India’s satellite internet market. The Indian government defended its security requirements. Now, the Ukraine situation news adds fresh dimensions. If Starlink is allowed in India, will it be at the mercy of Musk’s kill switch? Let us look at the technology and the politics. Was Starlink shut down in Ukraine? The satellite internet service, strategically crucial to Ukraine’s war effort against Russia, was not shut down entirely. Reports describe restrictions on a military-grade satellite communications service used by Ukrainian forces, identified as Starshield. There are conflicting reports about whether the affected terminals used Starshield or the commercial version of Starlink service. Speed restrictions on Starlink-attached devices or terminals were reported around October 13–14, which caught Ukraine’s military off guard. Terminals on faster-moving drones reportedly lost connectivity above certain speed thresholds, impairing drone interception and long-range strike missions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on October 17 that terminals in Ukraine were facing speed limits. Reports said the restrictions affected drones travelling at speeds above roughly 100 mph (160 km/h). Also read: 'Tap dancing through a minefield': Musk backs SpaceX-Tesla merger as AI boom fuels rocket firm's first profit Musk denies responsibility, but reports suggest otherwise Musk had earlier said that SpaceX was not responsible for the restrictions, arguing that Starshield is owned and controlled by the US government. He said its speed and usage limits are set by the US military and ultimately the President, Donald Trump. Commercial Starlink, which is different from Starshield, is intended for civilian and authorised uses, Musk said. Some US officials disputed reports of a deliberate restriction, while The Wall Street Journal and other outlets attributed the throttling decision to SpaceX, and by implication, Musk himself. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon had not withdrawn support or taken anything away from Ukraine's Starlink apparatus. This is not the first time: In the early years of the conflict, SpaceX refused a Ukrainian request in 2022 to enable Starlink coverage near Crimea for a naval drone attack on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. This was a refusal to activate coverage in a specific area, rather than a shutdown of an existing service. https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-india-clash-over-starlink-s-market-entry-terms-1791624912670/embed How Starlink can switch on and off: geofencing and software controls SpaceX remotely operates Starlink’s satellite network and associated ground systems. Network access can be controlled through software and service configurations, without any physical intervention. Geofencing technology can restrict coverage in specific areas. Service can also be limited by speed, bandwidth, priority or permitted use, depending on the system and service agreement. Individual terminals can be authorised or blocked centrally. SpaceX can also decline to activate service in a requested area or restrict access to specific terminals. Whitelists and blacklists can help authorise or block terminals. Ukraine and SpaceX in the past took steps to prevent Russian forces from using captured or unauthorised Starlink terminals, although the precise technical measures are not fully known. Also read: Four years, 3 licenses, zero launch: Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink still struggling to crack Indian market? EXPLAINED SpaceX directly controls commercial Starlink Regardless of who ordered the restrictions on the military-grade service, SpaceX has substantial operational control over commercial Starlink. That includes network configuration, coverage and terminal authorisation. Starshield differs in its focus on government and defence customers, including specialised security requirements. It can be procured through US government channels, including the US Space Force and the Department of Defence. Although Ukraine can coordinate terminal registrations, it does not independently control SpaceX’s network. The US government can impose restrictions on Starshield through its contracts and oversight arrangements. Under the Outer Space Treaty, the US also bears international responsibility for national activities in outer space, including those conducted by private entities. Commercial Starlink, however, is not ordinarily under the day-to-day operational command of the US government. Nevertheless, Washington can influence SpaceX through contracts, regulation, licensing requirements and applicable emergency powers. The India question of Starlink entry India wants satellite internet operators to comply with domestic security requirements, including setting up local ground infrastructure. In the past, India has recovered Starlink devices during law-enforcement and military operations. India seeks to balance the benefits of satellite connectivity with national security. Now add these things up and ask yourself: Was India right to seek additional security safeguards before granting Starlink permission to operate in the country?

Elon Musk’s reported Starlink restrictions in Ukraine raise questions about who controls the satellite internet owned by his company SpaceX. India’s security concerns highlight the risks of relying on a private foreign network. Here is the tech, and the politics

If Musk slowed down Starlink in Ukraine, that’s why it shouldn’t enter India. But who controls the switch?

Elon Musk said Tuesday (Oct 20) that he would back a merger of SpaceX and Tesla, as his rocket and AI company reported its first quarterly profit since going public, driven by deals to rent out computing power to AI firms. Asked about a possible tie-up on a call with analysts, Musk said he felt he was "tap dancing through a minefield," but noted that a combination would be "a good idea." Shares in SpaceX shot up nearly five per cent in after-hours trading following the comments.<h2>Committees set up to study the deal</h2>Musk said special committees of independent directors at both SpaceX and Tesla have been set up to study the idea at the request of shareholders. He added that he could not take part in their talks because he has a conflict of interest. Musk is chief executive of both companies, and also serves as chairman and chief technology officer of SpaceX.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/starlink-says-ready-to-connect-india-with-high-speed-internet-amid-reliance-row-1792206635252">Starlink says 'ready to connect India with high-speed internet' amid Reliance row</a>As of June 30, he owns 48.4 per cent of SpaceX, according to a regulatory filing, and controls more than 82 per cent of its voting power through super-voting shares. He holds about 20 per cent of Tesla. The committees have not agreed on the terms of any deal and there is no guarantee they will, Musk said, cautioning that it would be overstating it to treat a merger as a certainty. Any deal would need the backing of a majority of all Tesla shares, not just those cast in a vote, which Musk called "quite a high hurdle."He said the two companies could gain from working together on AI software, chip design, robotics and space-based computing.<h2>First profit, AI-led turnaround</h2>His remarks came after SpaceX posted net income of $4.4 billion for the July-September period, compared with a loss of $1.1 billion a year earlier. Revenue jumped 161 per cent to $14.6 billion. The quarterly results follow a bumpy start on Wall Street. SpaceX began trading on the Nasdaq on June 12 after an IPO priced at $135 a share that raised about $85.7 billion. Its first earnings report as a listed company showed second-quarter revenue of $7.8 billion and a net loss of $541 million.The AI division, which SpaceX now calls "Super Intelligence," (inspired by US President Donald Trump's push to call Artificial intelligence by this name) drove the turnaround. The unit's revenue rose more than nine times from a year earlier to $7.6 billion, overtaking the Starlink satellite internet business as the company's largest source of sales. SpaceX credited new cloud services agreements, wider adoption of its Grok chatbot and its acquisition of Cursor, an AI coding startup. Cloud customers include Anthropic, which agreed in May to pay nearly $45 billion over three years for computing power at SpaceX's Colossus data centers, and Google, which signed on in June to pay $920 million a month from October through June 2029.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/inside-tesla-s-roadster-10-features-of-elon-musk-s-flying-car-that-push-the-limits-of-electric-vehicles-in-pics-1792121766476">Inside Tesla's Roadster: 10 features of Elon Musk's 'flying car' that push the limits of electric vehicles | In Pics</a><h2>Heavy spending, big ambitions</h2>The AI unit turned an operating profit of $431 million, compared with a loss of $1.7 billion a year earlier. Spending remains heavy. SpaceX invested $19.6 billion in the quarter, $16.4 billion of it in AI, bringing capital spending for the first nine months of the year to $48 billion. Its computing capacity reached 1.7 gigawatts, up from 0.6 gigawatts a year earlier. Musk said he was "fairly confident" SpaceX could bring an additional 10 gigawatts of computing capacity online in 2027, on top of the roughly 2.5 to 3.0 gigawatts expected by year-end, though he added that power, cooling and electrical equipment were "somewhat of a limiting factor."Revenue at the Starlink unit grew 69 per cent to $5.2 billion, and consumer subscribers reached 13.6 million, though average monthly revenue per consumer fell to $69 from $83 a year earlier. SpaceX also completed the first revenue-generating flight of Starship, the giant rocket central to Musk's Mars ambitions, carrying 26 next-generation Starlink satellites into orbit.

Musk says a SpaceX-Tesla merger would be "a good idea" as his rocket firm posts its first quarterly profit, $4.4 billion, driven by an AI division that overtook Starlink. Directors' committees are studying the deal, but Musk warns it is far from certain. Read on.


Elon Musk said Tuesday (Oct 20) that he would back a merger of SpaceX and Tesla, as his rocket and AI company reported its first quarterly profit since going public, driven by deals to rent out computing power to AI firms. Asked about a possible tie-up on a call with analysts, Musk said he felt he was "tap dancing through a minefield," but noted that a combination would be "a good idea." Shares in SpaceX shot up nearly five per cent in after-hours trading following the comments. Committees set up to study the deal Musk said special committees of independent directors at both SpaceX and Tesla have been set up to study the idea at the request of shareholders. He added that he could not take part in their talks because he has a conflict of interest. Musk is chief executive of both companies, and also serves as chairman and chief technology officer of SpaceX. Also read | Starlink says 'ready to connect India with high-speed internet' amid Reliance row As of June 30, he owns 48.4 per cent of SpaceX, according to a regulatory filing, and controls more than 82 per cent of its voting power through super-voting shares. He holds about 20 per cent of Tesla. The committees have not agreed on the terms of any deal and there is no guarantee they will, Musk said, cautioning that it would be overstating it to treat a merger as a certainty. Any deal would need the backing of a majority of all Tesla shares, not just those cast in a vote, which Musk called "quite a high hurdle." He said the two companies could gain from working together on AI software, chip design, robotics and space-based computing. First profit, AI-led turnaround His remarks came after SpaceX posted net income of $4.4 billion for the July-September period, compared with a loss of $1.1 billion a year earlier. Revenue jumped 161 per cent to $14.6 billion. The quarterly results follow a bumpy start on Wall Street. SpaceX began trading on the Nasdaq on June 12 after an IPO priced at $135 a share that raised about $85.7 billion. Its first earnings report as a listed company showed second-quarter revenue of $7.8 billion and a net loss of $541 million. The AI division, which SpaceX now calls "Super Intelligence," (inspired by US President Donald Trump's push to call Artificial intelligence by this name) drove the turnaround. The unit's revenue rose more than nine times from a year earlier to $7.6 billion, overtaking the Starlink satellite internet business as the company's largest source of sales. SpaceX credited new cloud services agreements, wider adoption of its Grok chatbot and its acquisition of Cursor, an AI coding startup. Cloud customers include Anthropic, which agreed in May to pay nearly $45 billion over three years for computing power at SpaceX's Colossus data centers, and Google, which signed on in June to pay $920 million a month from October through June 2029. Also read | Inside Tesla's Roadster: 10 features of Elon Musk's 'flying car' that push the limits of electric vehicles | In Pics Heavy spending, big ambitions The AI unit turned an operating profit of $431 million, compared with a loss of $1.7 billion a year earlier. Spending remains heavy. SpaceX invested $19.6 billion in the quarter, $16.4 billion of it in AI, bringing capital spending for the first nine months of the year to $48 billion. Its computing capacity reached 1.7 gigawatts, up from 0.6 gigawatts a year earlier. Musk said he was "fairly confident" SpaceX could bring an additional 10 gigawatts of computing capacity online in 2027, on top of the roughly 2.5 to 3.0 gigawatts expected by year-end, though he added that power, cooling and electrical equipment were "somewhat of a limiting factor." Revenue at the Starlink unit grew 69 per cent to $5.2 billion, and consumer subscribers reached 13.6 million, though average monthly revenue per consumer fell to $69 from $83 a year earlier. SpaceX also completed the first revenue-generating flight of Starship, the giant rocket central to Musk's Mars ambitions, carrying 26 next-generation Starlink satellites into orbit.

Musk says a SpaceX-Tesla merger would be "a good idea" as his rocket firm posts its first quarterly profit, $4.4 billion, driven by an AI division that overtook Starlink. Directors' committees are studying the deal, but Musk warns it is far from certain. Read on.

'Tap dancing through a minefield': Musk backs SpaceX-Tesla merger as AI boom fuels rocket firm's first profit

Elon Musk has made a promise to the children of the United States. The SpaceX founder and CEO announced in an X post on Monday that he will give one share of his space company to each child in the country. "Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX (SPCX) shares to every kid in America. This will be the first of many," he said. Notably, the company's stock rose 1 per cent in premarket trading on Monday. It is currently trading at around $149.&nbsp;He did not specify an age range or which children will be eligible. How it will work and other details are also yet to be revealed. &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX shares to every kid in America.

This will be the first of many.&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2112089556615123114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Musk's announcement came just hours after Anthropic said it would set aside 5 per cent of its shares for donations that benefit the "public good".&nbsp;<h2>How much would that money be?</h2>&nbsp;According to estimates from the US Census Bureau, there are about 72 million children under the age of 18 in the US. SpaceX stock was trading at $146 per share on Friday, which brings the value of the donation to about US$10.5 billion. There are about 18.5 million of them between the stages of newborn and 4 years old.&nbsp;Musk's plan poses several practical questions. He did not specify how eligible children would receive the shares. It is possible that parents or guardians would manage them. It is also unclear whether there would be restrictions on selling or transferring the stock.<h2>Can minors hold stocks in the US?</h2> Yes, minors are free to hold shares in the United States. However, since they are not eligible to sign contracts, they cannot directly open an independent standard brokerage account or trade on their own. Kids do so through specialised accounts set up and managed by an adult or through specific teen accounts.<h2>Trump Accounts</h2> Children in the US already have a financial stake in the market. Earlier this month, children under 18 were automatically enrolled in Trump Accounts as part of an initiative by the Treasury Department. As part of the federal savings and investment program, children born between 2025 and the end of 2028 qualify for a one-time $1,000 government contribution. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced plans to give one share to each of the children in the United States. He wrote about it on X on Monday morning, without giving details about how he would go about it and the age limit.

Elon Musk has made a promise to the children of the United States. The SpaceX founder and CEO announced in an X post on Monday that he will give one share of his space company to each child in the country. "Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX (SPCX) shares to every kid in America. This will be the first of many," he said. Notably, the company's stock rose 1 per cent in premarket trading on Monday. It is currently trading at around $149. He did not specify an age range or which children will be eligible. How it will work and other details are also yet to be revealed.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced plans to give one share to each of the children in the United States. He wrote about it on X on Monday morning, without giving details about how he would go about it, and the age limit.

Elon Musk will give away one SpaceX share to each American child. That comes to $10.5bn

SpaceX shares rose 1.5% in premarket trading on Monday despite the delay to its Bandwagon-5 mission, after CEO Elon Musk pledged to give one of his company's shares to every child in the United States next year. The stock traded near $148.27 before the open, up from Friday's close of $146.03. Musk announced the plan on X."Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX shares to every kid in America. This will be the first of many," wrote Musk.There are roughly 72 million Americans under 18. At Friday's price, one share each would be worth a little over $10.5 billion. That is roughly 1% of Musk's estimated net worth of more than $900 billion, most of which is held in SpaceX and Tesla stock.There are no details about the eligibility, age limits, citizenship requirements, and how shares would be delivered or how the gift would be funded. The company had no immediate comment on those questions&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-mp-helen-haines-critical-condition-suv-incident-1792411169857">Australian MP Helen Haines in critical condition after being hit by SUV</a>The pledge followed an exchange with Anthropic over the AI company's plans to dedicate part of its equity to public benefit. Musk urged Anthropic to give shares directly to the public, then said that was what he would do himself.It also comes amid scrutiny of technology companies' effects on society. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said in July that she would gift a share to each of 2 million "Trump Accounts," a federal savings vehicle for children. That gift is now worth nearly $300 million.The Treasury Department this month automatically enrolled millions of minors in the accounts. Children born from 2025 through 2028 are eligible for a one-time $1,000 government contribution.SpaceX went public in June at $135 per share in the largest IPO on record. Musk holds about 42% of the shares but roughly 82% of the voting power.<h2>Delay in Bandwagon-5&nbsp;</h2>The Bandwagon-5 rideshare launch, which will carry multiple satellite payloads aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, was rescheduled to October 20. While the specific reason for the delay was not immediately disclosed, reports suggest it was rescheduled amid operational planning changes, with the US Federal Aviation Administration listing the revised launch window as October 20, from around 6.30 pm in local time and a backup opportunity on October 21. The specific reason for the rescheduling has not been confirmed in the cited reports, so it would be premature to attribute it to a technical fault or weather conditions.&nbsp;

The delay of Bandwagon-5 did not prevent SpaceX shares from climbing about 1.5% to around $148.27 before the market opened, up from Friday's close of $146.03.

SpaceX shares rose 1.5% in premarket trading on Monday despite the delay to its Bandwagon-5 mission, after CEO Elon Musk pledged to give one of his company's shares to every child in the United States next year. The stock traded near $148.27 before the open, up from Friday's close of $146.03. Musk announced the plan on X. "Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX shares to every kid in America. This will be the first of many," wrote Musk. There are roughly 72 million Americans under 18. At Friday's price, one share each would be worth a little over $10.5 billion. That is roughly 1% of Musk's estimated net worth of more than $900 billion, most of which is held in SpaceX and Tesla stock. There are no details about the eligibility, age limits, citizenship requirements, and how shares would be delivered or how the gift would be funded. The company had no immediate comment on those questions Also Read: Australian MP Helen Haines in critical condition after being hit by SUV The pledge followed an exchange with Anthropic over the AI company's plans to dedicate part of its equity to public benefit. Musk urged Anthropic to give shares directly to the public, then said that was what he would do himself. It also comes amid scrutiny of technology companies' effects on society. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said in July that she would gift a share to each of 2 million "Trump Accounts," a federal savings vehicle for children. That gift is now worth nearly $300 million. The Treasury Department this month automatically enrolled millions of minors in the accounts. Children born from 2025 through 2028 are eligible for a one-time $1,000 government contribution. SpaceX went public in June at $135 per share in the largest IPO on record. Musk holds about 42% of the shares but roughly 82% of the voting power. Delay in Bandwagon-5 The Bandwagon-5 rideshare launch, which will carry multiple satellite payloads aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, was rescheduled to October 20. While the specific reason for the delay was not immediately disclosed, reports suggest it was rescheduled amid operational planning changes, with the US Federal Aviation Administration listing the revised launch window as October 20, from around 6.30 pm in local time and a backup opportunity on October 21. The specific reason for the rescheduling has not been confirmed in the cited reports, so it would be premature to attribute it to a technical fault or weather conditions.

The delay of Bandwagon-5 did not prevent SpaceX shares from climbing about 1.5% to around $148.27 before the market opened, up from Friday's close of $146.03.

SpaceX shares climb despite Bandwagon-5 delay after Musk’s gift pledge to US children

A Dussehra poster in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow has featured Tesla CEO Elon Musk, American Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and others as faces of Ravana, sparking a major controversy. The posters, titled "Bharat Virodhi Dashanan Ravan", shows these international public figures and opposition leaders as alleged opponents of India's interests. They were reportedly installed at several intersections in the Uttar Pradesh capital by an organisation called the Sanatan Raksha Sangathan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/real-boss-of-india-elon-musk-escalates-attack-over-starlink-s-india-entry-1791566088852">‘Real boss of India’: Elon Musk escalates attack over Starlink’s India entry</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">#WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Posters featuring the slogan &quot;Sanatan Bharat Ke Virodhi Ravan&quot; have been put up at several locations across the city. 

The posters display images of Akhilesh Yadav, Atiq Ahmed, Azam Khan, Mukhtar Ansari, Rahul Gandhi, Elon Musk, George Soros, and others. 

The posters have been put up by the 'Sanatan Raksha Sangathan'.&mdash; ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://x.com/ANINewsUP/status/2111676631240896655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kolkata-durga-pandal-tragedy-prosenjit-chatterjee-dev-and-other-celebs-share-condolences-after-deadly-stampede-1792326080761">Kolkata Durga Pandal tragedy: Prosenjit Chatterjee, Dev and other celebs share condolences after deadly stampede</a> The artwork draws on Ravana, the ten-headed figure from the Ramayana whose effigies are burnt during Dussehra celebrations. Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad is depicted as Ravana, while other faces include Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Mukhtar Ansari, US billionaire Elon Musk, American Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus, investor George Soros and lawyer Prashant Bhushan.&nbsp;&nbsp;The inclusion of Musk comes days after he raised voice against the Indian government over Starlink's commercial approval in India. He accused unnamed "oligarchs" of blocking the service's launch to maintain a monopolistic chokehold on the market. In a series of posts on X, Musk went as far as mockingly referring to Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani as the "real boss of India" and sarcastically addressing him as "Prime Minister Ambani".&nbsp;&nbsp;Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad accused the BJP of being unsettled by Akhilesh Yadav's growing popularity ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. A video also showed a Samajwadi Party worker taking down one of the posters erected in a public place in Lucknow. Prasad also claimed that the BJP was concerned about the Samajwadi Party chief's growing public support and credibility. “The 2027 elections are approaching and the BJP is worried about the growing popularity and credibility of Akhilesh Yadav. As the elections draw closer, their anxiety is increasing. That is why such things are being done through posters, false statements and misleading claims. However, all these efforts will fail,” Prasad said.

Elon Musk, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Ilhan Omar and other public figures have featured on controversial Dussehra posters in Lucknow, depicting them as alleged opponents of India's interests. 

A Dussehra poster in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow has featured Tesla CEO Elon Musk, American Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and others as faces of Ravana, sparking a major controversy. The posters, titled "Bharat Virodhi Dashanan Ravan", shows these international public figures and opposition leaders as alleged opponents of India's interests. They were reportedly installed at several intersections in the Uttar Pradesh capital by an organisation called the Sanatan Raksha Sangathan. Also Read: ‘Real boss of India’: Elon Musk escalates attack over Starlink’s India entry

Elon Musk, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Ilhan Omar and other public figures have featured on controversial Dussehra posters in Lucknow, depicting them as alleged opponents of India's interests.&nbsp;

Elon Musk features on Lucknow's 'anti-India' Ravan poster alongside Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh

Elon Musk's Starlink has said it is ready to provide high-speed satellite internet services in India, as the public dispute with Reliance Industries over competition and market access intensifies. In a post on X on Friday (Oct 16), Starlink said it had spent more than five years working with Indian regulators, industry stakeholders and operators to prepare for its entry into the market. “We have worked closely with regulators, industry and operators in India for 5+ years, and built a network of dedicated systems, gateways, and other infrastructure all in-country to exclusively serve Indian traffic safely and securely - and all with the requisite government approvals,” the company said.“Starlink is ready to connect India with high-speed internet,” it added.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261017/image-1792208616671.png"></figure>The statement followed Reliance Industries' response to Musk's allegations that vested interests were trying to prevent Starlink from entering India's satellite communications market. Reliance welcomed competition, including from Starlink, but said all companies must follow Indian laws and regulatory requirements.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/starlink-row-india-rejects-musk-s-monopoly-accusation-reveals-amazon-also-in-satellite-internet-race-1791533852541">Starlink row: India rejects Musk’s ‘monopoly’ accusation, reveals Amazon also in satellite internet race</a><h2>Reliance says all operators must follow the rules</h2>In a X post earlier in the day, Reliance said India welcomes both domestic and foreign investment, provided companies operate within the country's legal framework. It also noted that Jio's own satellite services were awaiting clearances.“That openness rests on the rule of law. As the Government of India has stated, it applies the same process to every applicant, Indian or foreign. Jio's own satellite services await clearances."<h2>Starlink row: Musk's accusations</h2>Musk, the chief executive of SpaceX, had previously sarcastically addressed Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accused him of seeking to preserve a monopoly.Reliance's response rejected the suggestion that it feared competition and emphasised the need for equal regulatory treatment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wait-till-you-rahul-gandhi-takes-a-swipe-as-musk-s-ambani-real-boss-of-india-remark-triggers-x-subscription-cancellations-starlink-row-1791512600230">‘Wait till you discover the other guy’: Rahul Gandhi takes a swipe as Musk's 'Ambani real boss of India' remark triggers X subscription cancellations</a><h2>Government says security clearances remain essential</h2>Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said the government would not allow a monopoly in satellite communications. He also said three parties were awaiting final approval for commercial licences.Scindia said the government was close to a decision on the pricing framework for satellite communication services. He stressed that licensed operators, including Starlink, must meet security requirements before beginning commercial operations. &nbsp;

Starlink says it is ready to bring high-speed satellite internet to India after more than five years of engagement with local stakeholders. The statement comes amid a public dispute with Reliance over competition, regulatory access and the rules governing satellite communications.


Elon Musk's Starlink has said it is ready to provide high-speed satellite internet services in India, as the public dispute with Reliance Industries over competition and market access intensifies. In a post on X on Friday (Oct 16), Starlink said it had spent more than five years working with Indian regulators, industry stakeholders and operators to prepare for its entry into the market. “We have worked closely with regulators, industry and operators in India for 5+ years, and built a network of dedicated systems, gateways, and other infrastructure all in-country to exclusively serve Indian traffic safely and securely - and all with the requisite government approvals,” the company said. “Starlink is ready to connect India with high-speed internet,” it added. The statement followed Reliance Industries' response to Musk's allegations that vested interests were trying to prevent Starlink from entering India's satellite communications market. Reliance welcomed competition, including from Starlink, but said all companies must follow Indian laws and regulatory requirements. Also read | Starlink row: India rejects Musk’s ‘monopoly’ accusation, reveals Amazon also in satellite internet race Reliance says all operators must follow the rules In a X post earlier in the day, Reliance said India welcomes both domestic and foreign investment, provided companies operate within the country's legal framework. It also noted that Jio's own satellite services were awaiting clearances. “That openness rests on the rule of law. As the Government of India has stated, it applies the same process to every applicant, Indian or foreign. Jio's own satellite services await clearances." Starlink row: Musk's accusations Musk, the chief executive of SpaceX, had previously sarcastically addressed Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accused him of seeking to preserve a monopoly. Reliance's response rejected the suggestion that it feared competition and emphasised the need for equal regulatory treatment. Also read | ‘Wait till you discover the other guy’: Rahul Gandhi takes a swipe as Musk's 'Ambani real boss of India' remark triggers X subscription cancellations Government says security clearances remain essential Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said the government would not allow a monopoly in satellite communications. He also said three parties were awaiting final approval for commercial licences. Scindia said the government was close to a decision on the pricing framework for satellite communication services. He stressed that licensed operators, including Starlink, must meet security requirements before beginning commercial operations.

Starlink says it is ready to bring high-speed satellite internet to India after more than five years of engagement with local stakeholders. The statement comes amid a public dispute with Reliance over competition, regulatory access and the rules governing satellite communications.

Starlink says 'ready to connect India with high-speed internet' amid Reliance row

Billionaire Elon Musk has provided a major financial boost to Republican Ken Paxton's Texas Senate campaign, with $158 million in September donations routed through political groups supporting the candidate, according to campaign-finance filings released on Thursday. Musk, the world's richest person and a Texas resident with extensive business interests in the state, sent the money to a super PAC that subsequently transferred the same amount to a group backing Paxton's Senate bid.&nbsp;The contributions rank among the largest ever recorded in American politics and could help Paxton remain financially competitive against Democratic opponent James Talarico, whose campaign has significantly outraised him. Republicans in Texas have grown increasingly concerned about the contest, one of the most expensive and closely watched races of the year. The party faces the prospect of losing a statewide election in Texas for the first time in more than three decades.<h2>How Musk's $158 million reached the Paxton campaign?</h2>Campaign-finance filings show that Musk donated $75 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, the leading super PAC supporting Senate Republicans, on September 9. He contributed another $83 million on September 23. On each occasion, the super PAC transferred an identical amount to Texas PAC the following day. The group had been established by the Senate Leadership Fund to support Paxton's campaign.&nbsp;The money transferred to Texas PAC was not necessarily Musk's own contribution, and super PAC officials have publicly said they were seeking additional donations to fund their pro-Paxton efforts. Nevertheless, without Musk's record-breaking contributions, such a substantial sum would have been unlikely to reach the group supporting Paxton, according to the report. It is unusual for an individual donor to be so closely linked to such a large financial commitment benefiting a single candidate. The New York Times reported earlier in the week on Musk's contributions to the Senate Leadership Fund and the possibility that the money would ultimately support Paxton. The latest filings provide further details about how the transfers occurred.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-donates-1-million-to-abdul-el-sayed-s-as-michigan-race-heats-up-1792183971867">US midterms 2026: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez donates $1 million to Abdul El-Sayed’s as Michigan race heats up</a><h2>Musk also donated $10 million to another pro-Paxton group</h2>Beyond the $158 million routed through the Senate Leadership Fund, Musk contributed another $10 million to a separate super PAC supporting Paxton. That donation enabled the group to begin airing television advertisements in late August. Musk lives in Austin and has extensive business interests in Texas. Paxton, meanwhile, serves as the state's attorney general, a position that gives his office regulatory responsibilities involving businesses operating in Texas, including Musk's companies. The two men have been political allies in the state.<h2>Musk targets Paxton's Democratic rival</h2>Despite his substantial financial involvement, Musk has generally shown limited public or private enthusiasm for individual candidates in this year's midterm elections. He has rarely posted on X, his social media platform, about Republican nominees. In recent days, however, he has published several critical posts about Talarico. Talarico has made the political influence of billionaires, including Musk, a central issue on the campaign trail. The dispute highlights the growing role of wealthy donors and outside political groups in high-profile election contests, where super PACs can spend substantial sums independently to support candidates.<h2>Texas Senate race draws national attention</h2>The Texas Senate contest has emerged as one of the most closely watched races of the election cycle, with both parties recognising its potential implications for control of the chamber. Paxton's financial position has been a concern for Republicans as Talarico has raised substantially more money through his campaign. Musk's contributions offer a significant source of financial support for groups backing the Republican candidate, potentially helping them sustain advertising and other campaign efforts.&nbsp;The scale of the donations also underscores Musk's growing influence in American political fundraising, as wealthy individuals and political action committees direct substantial resources towards pivotal Senate contests. With the race attracting national attention and large financial commitments from both sides, the contest between Paxton and Talarico is expected to remain a major focus as election day approaches.

Elon Musk's $158 million in donations flowed through a Republican super PAC to support Ken Paxton's Texas Senate campaign against Democrat James Talarico

Billionaire Elon Musk has provided a major financial boost to Republican Ken Paxton's Texas Senate campaign, with $158 million in September donations routed through political groups supporting the candidate, according to campaign-finance filings released on Thursday. Musk, the world's richest person and a Texas resident with extensive business interests in the state, sent the money to a super PAC that subsequently transferred the same amount to a group backing Paxton's Senate bid. The contributions rank among the largest ever recorded in American politics and could help Paxton remain financially competitive against Democratic opponent James Talarico, whose campaign has significantly outraised him. Republicans in Texas have grown increasingly concerned about the contest, one of the most expensive and closely watched races of the year. The party faces the prospect of losing a statewide election in Texas for the first time in more than three decades. How Musk's $158 million reached the Paxton campaign? Campaign-finance filings show that Musk donated $75 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, the leading super PAC supporting Senate Republicans, on September 9. He contributed another $83 million on September 23. On each occasion, the super PAC transferred an identical amount to Texas PAC the following day. The group had been established by the Senate Leadership Fund to support Paxton's campaign. The money transferred to Texas PAC was not necessarily Musk's own contribution, and super PAC officials have publicly said they were seeking additional donations to fund their pro-Paxton efforts. Nevertheless, without Musk's record-breaking contributions, such a substantial sum would have been unlikely to reach the group supporting Paxton, according to the report. It is unusual for an individual donor to be so closely linked to such a large financial commitment benefiting a single candidate. The New York Times reported earlier in the week on Musk's contributions to the Senate Leadership Fund and the possibility that the money would ultimately support Paxton. The latest filings provide further details about how the transfers occurred. Also Read: US midterms 2026: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez donates $1 million to Abdul El-Sayed’s as Michigan race heats up Musk also donated $10 million to another pro-Paxton group Beyond the $158 million routed through the Senate Leadership Fund, Musk contributed another $10 million to a separate super PAC supporting Paxton. That donation enabled the group to begin airing television advertisements in late August. Musk lives in Austin and has extensive business interests in Texas. Paxton, meanwhile, serves as the state's attorney general, a position that gives his office regulatory responsibilities involving businesses operating in Texas, including Musk's companies. The two men have been political allies in the state. Musk targets Paxton's Democratic rival Despite his substantial financial involvement, Musk has generally shown limited public or private enthusiasm for individual candidates in this year's midterm elections. He has rarely posted on X, his social media platform, about Republican nominees. In recent days, however, he has published several critical posts about Talarico. Talarico has made the political influence of billionaires, including Musk, a central issue on the campaign trail. The dispute highlights the growing role of wealthy donors and outside political groups in high-profile election contests, where super PACs can spend substantial sums independently to support candidates. Texas Senate race draws national attention The Texas Senate contest has emerged as one of the most closely watched races of the election cycle, with both parties recognising its potential implications for control of the chamber. Paxton's financial position has been a concern for Republicans as Talarico has raised substantially more money through his campaign. Musk's contributions offer a significant source of financial support for groups backing the Republican candidate, potentially helping them sustain advertising and other campaign efforts. The scale of the donations also underscores Musk's growing influence in American political fundraising, as wealthy individuals and political action committees direct substantial resources towards pivotal Senate contests. With the race attracting national attention and large financial commitments from both sides, the contest between Paxton and Talarico is expected to remain a major focus as election day approaches.

Elon Musk donated $158 million to a Republican super PAC that transferred the same amount to a group supporting Ken Paxton's Texas Senate bid

US midterms 2026: Ken Paxton may have Elon Musk to thank if he wins the Texas Senate race. Here's why

The Tesla Roadster uses SpaceX cold gas thrusters to release compressed air, avoiding the dangerous fire of chemical rockets. This ensures extreme acceleration and aerial mobility without extreme heat.

While traditional rocket engines use volatile liquid fuels and combustion, the new Tesla Roadster uses SpaceX cold gas thrusters that release highly compressed air for safe, explosive acceleration.

Tesla Roadster's thrusters vs rocket engines: What's the difference?

Tesla revealed its new Roadster sports car equipped with SpaceX cold-gas thrusters. The vehicle can jump over trucks, perform aerial flips, and reach 60 mph in 0.8 seconds. Production begins in 2028.

Tesla revealed its new Roadster sports car equipped with SpaceX cold-gas thrusters. The vehicle can jump over trucks, perform aerial flips, and reach 60 mph in 0.8 seconds. Production begins in 2028.

‘No traffic jams for Tesla owners’: How Elon Musk’s new flying car is different from regular cars?

Tesla's Roadster promises more than electric sports-car performance. From aerospace-inspired styling and a minimalist cabin to SpaceX thrusters designed for aerial manoeuvres, explore the features behind Elon Musk's ambitious vehicle.

Tesla's Roadster promises more than electric sports-car performance. From aerospace-inspired styling and a minimalist cabin to SpaceX thrusters designed for aerial manoeuvres, explore the features behind Elon Musk's ambitious vehicle.

Inside Tesla's Roadster: 10 features of Elon Musk's 'flying car' that push the limits of electric vehicles | In Pics

"Turns out the future does have flying cars," Elon Musk wrote on X on Thursday (Oct 15), sharing a video of Tesla's long-awaited Roadster performing dramatic aerial manoeuvres using thrusters developed with his rocket company SpaceX. The feat of engineering was unveiled at SpaceX’s rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas (near Waco).“A friend of mine, Peter Thiel, once said the future promised us flying cars, but instead we got 140 characters,” Musk, the world's first trillionaire, joked while addressing a crowd of cheering fans at the unveiling event. The "140 characters" bit was a reference to the character limit of social media posts on Twitter before he bought it in 2022. “Well, not anymore,” he stated.An astounding video of the car shows the white electric sports car lifting off the ground, hovering, flipping and manoeuvring above a paved surface. The demonstration also features the vehicle performing high-speed stunts under spotlights, with thick plumes of smoke adding to the spectacle.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Turns out the future does have flying cars https://t.co/6fexPp6SXI&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2110913107094606330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The reveal has reignited interest in Musk's long-promised vision of a car that can "fly". Here's all you need to know about the Tesla Roadster.<h2>0 to 60 in under 1 second: How Tesla's flying Roadster works</h2>Tesla demonstrated the Roadster using a combination of cold-gas thrusters and a fan-based suction system. The thrusters, developed in collaboration with SpaceX, are designed to propel the vehicle into the air and help control its movements.During the event in Texas, the car drove up a ramp, remained upside down briefly and returned to the ground. It was also shown lifting off from a stationary position and clearing a row of parked Tesla vehicles.Musk has described the Roadster as a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX. According to the company, the car has an acceleration time of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 0.81 seconds.<h2>When will the flying Tesla Roadster launch?</h2>The Roadster has been one of Musk's most anticipated projects since Tesla first unveiled its second-generation version in 2017. Deliveries were originally expected in 2020, but the vehicle has faced repeated delays.Tesla now expects production to begin in 2028. The company has not yet provided a complete set of production and pricing details for the newly revealed vehicle.<h2>Is Tesla's flying car ready for everyday use?</h2>Not yet. The demonstration showcased a specialised vehicle performing controlled stunts, rather than a flying car designed for routine commuting.Notably, the car comes in two variants: a specialised Rocket variant with the ability to lift off the ground and a Thrust version intended for road use. The Rocket version is not yet approved for public roads.Musk has acknowledged uncertainty over whether the vehicle would be legal in every jurisdiction and said it was not necessarily optimised for safety. Speaking at the unveiling event, Musk acknowledged that the Roadster, which Tesla describes as "Beyond The Limits of Physics" on its website, was “not necessarily a safety-optimised car”, but it said it would “be an actual car that’s on the roads”.“I’m not sure it’s necessarily legal in all jurisdictions,” he accepted. “But there will be such a car that someone can own.”

Tesla has unveiled a futuristic version of its Roadster featuring SpaceX-developed thrusters, with Elon Musk describing the vehicle as a glimpse of the flying-car future. A sports car that can lift off the ground and perform aerial manoeuvres? All you need to know about Tesla Roadster.

"Turns out the future does have flying cars," Elon Musk wrote on X on Thursday (Oct 15), sharing a video of Tesla's long-awaited Roadster performing dramatic aerial manoeuvres using thrusters developed with his rocket company SpaceX. The feat of engineering was unveiled at SpaceX’s rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas (near Waco). “A friend of mine, Peter Thiel, once said the future promised us flying cars, but instead we got 140 characters,” Musk, the world's first trillionaire, joked while addressing a crowd of cheering fans at the unveiling event. The "140 characters" bit was a reference to the character limit of social media posts on Twitter before he bought it in 2022. “Well, not anymore,” he stated. An astounding video of the car shows the white electric sports car lifting off the ground, hovering, flipping and manoeuvring above a paved surface. The demonstration also features the vehicle performing high-speed stunts under spotlights, with thick plumes of smoke adding to the spectacle.

Tesla has unveiled a futuristic version of its Roadster featuring SpaceX-developed thrusters, with Elon Musk describing the vehicle as a glimpse of the flying-car future. A sports car that can lift off the ground and perform aerial manoeuvres? All you need to know about Tesla Roadster.

'Turns out the future does have flying cars': Musk's Tesla unveils 'flying' sports car with SpaceX technology | Watch

Russia Has Escalated Its Strikes on Ukraine at a Time When Starlink Services Have Reportedly Been Restricted in the Country. at Least Six People Were Killed in Alleged Russian Drone Attacks. on the Other Hand, Iran Termed Starlink as a Tool of War for Enemies.

Ukraine blinded: Musk deflects blame on Trump, Putin sharpens attack 

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Sunday (Oct 11) slammed SpaceX CEO Elon Musk over Starlink's proposed entry into India's satellite communications market. In a post on X, Dubey said the Parliamentary Committee had understood the challenges faced by the country's security agencies through Starlink, adding that the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs and investigative agencies were concerned with the "threats" posed by such developments. In a reply to Elon Musk's tweet, Dubey wrote, "As the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee, our committee has understood the challenges facing the country's security agencies through @elonmusk's Starlink. The Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and our investigation agencies are being affected by the dangerous games of these threats." Referring to the previous government, he wrote, "In 2013-14, the government of Manmohan Singh ji had informed @TRAI about these threats." Dubey further said India was a sovereign and democratic country that would not alter its security policy under pressure. "First, provide connections to the poor in your own country, America, at affordable rates, and then level accusations; India is a healthy democratic, sovereign nation; it does not change its security policy under pressure or social media," he added. “If our policy were driven by money, we would have rolled out the red-carpet welcome for you despite opposition from the security agencies. Don't you provide even more support to political parties from America to Britain?” he further added. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-under-scrutiny-again-us-judge-upholds-twitter-investor-fraud-verdict-1783413122011">Elon Musk under scrutiny again as US judge upholds Twitter investor fraud verdict</a><h2>Indian government's statement</h2>Earlier, the Ministry of Communications unequivocally stated its position on the regulatory framework for satellite communication services. The Ministry said that India's policies in this sphere are “fair and non-discriminatory.” The statement issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Ministry of Communications, stated that the "government has put in place a fair and non-discriminatory authorisation framework for all telecommunication services, including satellite communication services. Under this, telecom licences have been granted to three Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite services based on non-geosynchronous satellite orbit based satellite communications, as part of its commitment to enable provision of satellite communication services in India. Under the terms and conditions of license, every such licensee is required to demonstrate compliance with security conditions. This is aimed at ensuring that services provided meet various security requirements to ensure safety of all users and their data. Security assessment as part of this process is currently under way in respect of all the three licensees. As and when this process is completed for a licensed entity, it may proceed to the next step of seeking assignment of spectrum." "At present, all the three entities are at broadly the same regulatory stage. As such, the suggestion that the framework or its application is unfair or discriminatory is baseless and misconceived," the statement added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-back-in-trump-admin-will-help-pentagon-map-future-of-warfare-autonomous-weapons-1790820548201">Elon Musk back in Trump admin, will help Pentagon map 'future of warfare, autonomous weapons'</a><h2>What Elon Musk said?</h2>In a post on X on Oct 7, Elon Musk accused certain unnamed ‘oligarchs’ of blocking Starlink’s entry into India, alleging that they are trying to protect their “monopolistic chokehold” over the country’s people. Musk made the remarks while responding to a post citing government data that 11,256 listed villages lacked 4G coverage as of May 2026. He has previously said Starlink could help connect rural and underserved parts of India. “Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain oligarchs to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people. You can guess who they are …,” Musk said in the post.&nbsp;Musk has since then targeted the Ambanis and shared several other posts slamming the Indian government's policies. In his latest post on X, Musk said, “The ridiculous arguments by Ambani’s army of Internet shills make no sense. On the one hand, they say Starlink couldn’t possibly compete with the amazing low prices offered by Ambani’s de facto monopoly in India and then, in the same breath, they essentially claim that Starlink would be too strong of a competitor! This is absurd hypocrisy and hyperbole.” He acknowledged that greater competition could reduce the profits of existing players but said it would not necessarily threaten their business. “Obviously, if Starlink is too expensive in India, no one will buy it, so SpaceX will need to make pricing affordable,” Musk added.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has criticised Elon Musk over Starlink's proposed entry into India, citing concerns raised by security agencies. His remarks came after Musk accused unnamed business interests of blocking Starlink, while the government rejected claims of discriminatory regulations.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Sunday (Oct 11) slammed SpaceX CEO Elon Musk over Starlink's proposed entry into India's satellite communications market. In a post on X, Dubey said the Parliamentary Committee had understood the challenges faced by the country's security agencies through Starlink, adding that the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs and investigative agencies were concerned with the "threats" posed by such developments. In a reply to Elon Musk's tweet, Dubey wrote, "As the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee, our committee has understood the challenges facing the country's security agencies through @elonmusk's Starlink. The Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and our investigation agencies are being affected by the dangerous games of these threats." Referring to the previous government, he wrote, "In 2013-14, the government of Manmohan Singh ji had informed @TRAI about these threats." Dubey further said India was a sovereign and democratic country that would not alter its security policy under pressure. "First, provide connections to the poor in your own country, America, at affordable rates, and then level accusations; India is a healthy democratic, sovereign nation; it does not change its security policy under pressure or social media," he added. “If our policy were driven by money, we would have rolled out the red-carpet welcome for you despite opposition from the security agencies. Don't you provide even more support to political parties from America to Britain?” he further added. Also Read: Elon Musk under scrutiny again as US judge upholds Twitter investor fraud verdict Indian government's statement Earlier, the Ministry of Communications unequivocally stated its position on the regulatory framework for satellite communication services. The Ministry said that India's policies in this sphere are “fair and non-discriminatory.” The statement issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Ministry of Communications, stated that the "government has put in place a fair and non-discriminatory authorisation framework for all telecommunication services, including satellite communication services. Under this, telecom licences have been granted to three Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite services based on non-geosynchronous satellite orbit based satellite communications, as part of its commitment to enable provision of satellite communication services in India. Under the terms and conditions of license, every such licensee is required to demonstrate compliance with security conditions. This is aimed at ensuring that services provided meet various security requirements to ensure safety of all users and their data. Security assessment as part of this process is currently under way in respect of all the three licensees. As and when this process is completed for a licensed entity, it may proceed to the next step of seeking assignment of spectrum." "At present, all the three entities are at broadly the same regulatory stage. As such, the suggestion that the framework or its application is unfair or discriminatory is baseless and misconceived," the statement added. Also Read: Elon Musk back in Trump admin, will help Pentagon map 'future of warfare, autonomous weapons' What Elon Musk said? In a post on X on Oct 7, Elon Musk accused certain unnamed ‘oligarchs’ of blocking Starlink’s entry into India, alleging that they are trying to protect their “monopolistic chokehold” over the country’s people. Musk made the remarks while responding to a post citing government data that 11,256 listed villages lacked 4G coverage as of May 2026. He has previously said Starlink could help connect rural and underserved parts of India. “Unfortunately, we are being blocked by certain oligarchs to maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people. You can guess who they are …,” Musk said in the post. Musk has since then targeted the Ambanis and shared several other posts slamming the Indian government's policies. In his latest post on X, Musk said, “The ridiculous arguments by Ambani’s army of Internet shills make no sense. On the one hand, they say Starlink couldn’t possibly compete with the amazing low prices offered by Ambani’s de facto monopoly in India and then, in the same breath, they essentially claim that Starlink would be too strong of a competitor! This is absurd hypocrisy and hyperbole.” He acknowledged that greater competition could reduce the profits of existing players but said it would not necessarily threaten their business. “Obviously, if Starlink is too expensive in India, no one will buy it, so SpaceX will need to make pricing affordable,” Musk added.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has criticised Elon Musk over Starlink's proposed entry into India, citing concerns raised by security agencies. His remarks came after Musk accused unnamed business interests of blocking Starlink, while the government rejected claims of discriminatory regulations.

'India won't change security policy under pressure': India's Parliamentary IT Panel chief slams Elon Musk over Starlink row

Days ago, tech billionaire Elon Musk accused certain business owners, without naming them, of stopping Starlink's entry into India. In a series of posts, he alleged that 'certain oligarchs' were attempting to block the entry of the satellite internet provider into India despite the company's efforts to secure regulatory approvals. A day later, Musk posted again, directly targeting Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and accusing him of maintaining a monopoly in the country’s internet market. He sarcastically addressed him as 'Prime Minister Ambani' and called 'real boss of India', and questioned whether Ambani would let Starlink compete in the Indian market. The only question is: why is Starlink facing problems getting approval from the government to enter the Indian market?<h3>Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink struggling?</h3>To secure the key licenses for Starlink in India, Musk has been striving hard since 2021. But for final security clearances and spectrum allocation, the company still needs the government's approval to start commercial services, which has moved in staggered stages. To secure the GMPCS licence, the company applied in 2024, but the approval came after two years, in 2026. Others who have received GMPCS licences include Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications Ltd. Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon Leo is also in contention for a licence. However, after clearing the hurdle, the company still needs the approval of law enforcement, satellite spectrum allocation, and ground infrastructure along with earth stations, ahead of becoming fully operational commercially. India's space regulator has also rejected the company's Gen 2 constellation application over features and radio frequencies, as it did not fulfil India's requirements, forcing the company to reapply. In terms of ongoing friction, India has refuted Musk's allegations, underscoring that its satellite communications rules are fair and non-discriminatory. Even the Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further. Security assessments for all three entities are currently underway, and none has yet moved to the spectrum assignment stage. The ministry clarified that all three licensees remain at broadly the same regulatory stage, dismissing claims of unfairness or discrimination in the framework's application as baseless and misconceived. Meanwhile, SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer, Starlink's business operations, said that the company spent years working with Indian regulators and had built security controls into its network to meet the country's requirements. She claimed the company developed India-specific security controls and built 20 gateway sites in India after investing in building the infrastructure. Dreyer clarified that Starlink has built its operational facilities specifically for India, keeping the country's security requirements and otherregulations on priority while keeping Indian user data within India.&nbsp;On this, Pranav Koomar, Founder of PlusCash, also told WION, "Starlink has managed to clear some key regulatory barriers in India in terms of licensing, approval in the space sector, tie-ups with Jio and Airtel, and ground infrastructure creation. Nevertheless, getting approvals does not necessarily mean that there will be success from a commercial perspective. The real problem is the economics of the broadband market in India. Starlink's business model implies huge investment in the satellite network and ground infrastructure, which implies a higher cost per subscriber. The model is quite suitable for markets with high prices for broadband and a lack of alternatives to satellite broadband.On the contrary, India has one of the cheapest broadband markets and data prices in the world, with companies like Jio and Airtel enjoying huge economies of scale and low pricing for consumers. Matching those prices while sustaining margins is going to be hard for a satellite service provider. Thus, the issue here is not about getting the approvals and licenses for Starlink. What really matters is whether the company can create unit economics in the highly competitive broadband market."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scam-smuggling-and-wars-why-elon-musk-s-starlink-is-a-help-from-heaven-for-criminals-1791630930507">'Scam, smuggling and wars': Why Elon Musk's Starlink is a 'help from heaven' for criminals</a><h3>What's the real problem?</h3>Security has been a major concern related to Starlink's entry into India. In 2024, Indian officials claimed that they had recovered Starlink equipment during a drug-smuggling probe in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was also found in an army operation in the northeastern state of Manipur.&nbsp;Its ability to bypass land-based infrastructure has made it a powerful geopolitical tool in conflicts, anti-regime protests, and civil wars. In 2022, when Russia hit the communication network of Ukraine, its internet was completely cut off. Then Ukraine turned to Starlink for internet connectivity. But when Ukraine attempted to strike a Russian ship near Crimea, Musk cut off the internet, and the attack failed. This shows the power of a businessman who weiled at such an extent that it could control things. So it can become a threat to national security and a vulnerability during war. During mass anti-government protests, after the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022 and subsequent demonstrations triggered by a currency collapse, the Iranian government deployed a near-total internet blackout to stop protesters from coordinating or uploading footage. Later, thousands of Starlink terminals were smuggled across the border via underground networks. Then Musk activated the satellite beams over Iran and even pushed a specialised firmware update to help users bypass state signal-jamming equipment. This allowed dissidents to broadcast state crackdowns directly to the outside world, significantly undermining the regime's control over information flow. A similar incident was also witnessed in the Sudanese civil war; Starlink became an accidental lifeline for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group fighting against the internationally recognised Sudanese Armed Forces. In Venezuela, the authoritarian government under Nicolás Maduro has routinely restricted internet access and censored opposition media during periods of high political tension and contested elections. Then activists and opposition leaders have used smuggled Starlink terminals to communicate securely. By bypassing the state-owned telecom provider (CANTV), opposition networks maintained coordination despite government mandates to silence them, altering how political resistance operates in the country. So, with the entry of this tech, states can no longer easily use the "internet kill switch" to suppress domestic unrest. This has caused significant security anxiety globally. The next major issue is pricing, as the company has yet to reveal final prices for India, and questions have remained about affordability, particularly in rural areas. In the US, Starlink's plans start at $55 a month; however, prices and equipment costs vary by plan and location. Currently, Starlink has been licensed in more than 165 countries.

The Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further. 

Days ago, tech billionaire Elon Musk accused certain business owners, without naming them, of stopping Starlink's entry into India. In a series of posts, he alleged that 'certain oligarchs' were attempting to block the entry of the satellite internet provider into India despite the company's efforts to secure regulatory approvals. A day later, Musk posted again, directly targeting Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and accusing him of maintaining a monopoly in the country’s internet market. He sarcastically addressed him as 'Prime Minister Ambani' and called 'real boss of India', and questioned whether Ambani would let Starlink compete in the Indian market. The only question is: why is Starlink facing problems getting approval from the government to enter the Indian market? Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink struggling? To secure the key licenses for Starlink in India, Musk has been striving hard since 2021. But for final security clearances and spectrum allocation, the company still needs the government's approval to start commercial services, which has moved in staggered stages. To secure the GMPCS licence, the company applied in 2024, but the approval came after two years, in 2026. Others who have received GMPCS licences include Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications Ltd. Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon Leo is also in contention for a licence. However, after clearing the hurdle, the company still needs the approval of law enforcement, satellite spectrum allocation, and ground infrastructure along with earth stations, ahead of becoming fully operational commercially. India's space regulator has also rejected the company's Gen 2 constellation application over features and radio frequencies, as it did not fulfil India's requirements, forcing the company to reapply. In terms of ongoing friction, India has refuted Musk's allegations, underscoring that its satellite communications rules are fair and non-discriminatory. Even the Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further. Security assessments for all three entities are currently underway, and none has yet moved to the spectrum assignment stage. The ministry clarified that all three licensees remain at broadly the same regulatory stage, dismissing claims of unfairness or discrimination in the framework's application as baseless and misconceived. Meanwhile, SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer, Starlink's business operations, said that the company spent years working with Indian regulators and had built security controls into its network to meet the country's requirements. She claimed the company developed India-specific security controls and built 20 gateway sites in India after investing in building the infrastructure. Dreyer clarified that Starlink has built its operational facilities specifically for India, keeping the country's security requirements and otherregulations on priority while keeping Indian user data within India. On this, Pranav Koomar, Founder of PlusCash, also told WION, "Starlink has managed to clear some key regulatory barriers in India in terms of licensing, approval in the space sector, tie-ups with Jio and Airtel, and ground infrastructure creation. Nevertheless, getting approvals does not necessarily mean that there will be success from a commercial perspective. The real problem is the economics of the broadband market in India. Starlink's business model implies huge investment in the satellite network and ground infrastructure, which implies a higher cost per subscriber. The model is quite suitable for markets with high prices for broadband and a lack of alternatives to satellite broadband. On the contrary, India has one of the cheapest broadband markets and data prices in the world, with companies like Jio and Airtel enjoying huge economies of scale and low pricing for consumers. Matching those prices while sustaining margins is going to be hard for a satellite service provider. Thus, the issue here is not about getting the approvals and licenses for Starlink. What really matters is whether the company can create unit economics in the highly competitive broadband market." Also read: 'Scam, smuggling and wars': Why Elon Musk's Starlink is a 'help from heaven' for criminals What's the real problem? Security has been a major concern related to Starlink's entry into India. In 2024, Indian officials claimed that they had recovered Starlink equipment during a drug-smuggling probe in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was also found in an army operation in the northeastern state of Manipur. Its ability to bypass land-based infrastructure has made it a powerful geopolitical tool in conflicts, anti-regime protests, and civil wars. In 2022, when Russia hit the communication network of Ukraine, its internet was completely cut off. Then Ukraine turned to Starlink for internet connectivity. But when Ukraine attempted to strike a Russian ship near Crimea, Musk cut off the internet, and the attack failed. This shows the power of a businessman who weiled at such an extent that it could control things. So it can become a threat to national security and a vulnerability during war. During mass anti-government protests, after the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022 and subsequent demonstrations triggered by a currency collapse, the Iranian government deployed a near-total internet blackout to stop protesters from coordinating or uploading footage. Later, thousands of Starlink terminals were smuggled across the border via underground networks. Then Musk activated the satellite beams over Iran and even pushed a specialised firmware update to help users bypass state signal-jamming equipment. This allowed dissidents to broadcast state crackdowns directly to the outside world, significantly undermining the regime's control over information flow. A similar incident was also witnessed in the Sudanese civil war; Starlink became an accidental lifeline for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group fighting against the internationally recognised Sudanese Armed Forces. In Venezuela, the authoritarian government under Nicolás Maduro has routinely restricted internet access and censored opposition media during periods of high political tension and contested elections. Then activists and opposition leaders have used smuggled Starlink terminals to communicate securely. By bypassing the state-owned telecom provider (CANTV), opposition networks maintained coordination despite government mandates to silence them, altering how political resistance operates in the country. So, with the entry of this tech, states can no longer easily use the "internet kill switch" to suppress domestic unrest. This has caused significant security anxiety globally. The next major issue is pricing, as the company has yet to reveal final prices for India, and questions have remained about affordability, particularly in rural areas. In the US, Starlink's plans start at $55 a month; however, prices and equipment costs vary by plan and location. Currently, Starlink has been licensed in more than 165 countries.

The Ministry of Communications stated that three GMPCS licences have been granted under NGSO-based satellite communications, with each licensee required to meet security compliance conditions before proceeding further.&nbsp;

Four years, 3 licenses, zero launch: Why is Elon Musk’s Starlink still struggling to crack Indian market? EXPLAINED

Elon Musk wants Indians to see Mukesh Ambani as the villain of the Starlink story: a tycoon whose political money buys him the power to keep competitors out. On 10 October, to make the point, Musk shared reports about Reliance-linked donations to the BJP, and mockingly addressed Ambani as 'Prime Minister Ambani'.&nbsp;What Musk Shared&nbsp;Musk posted two reports on X. One was a 2022 Al Jazeera investigation into a Reliance-funded firm's social-media work for BJP campaigns. The other was a 2024 Indian Express article on a Reliance-linked company, Qwik Supply Chain, donating Rs 385 crore to the BJP, and Rs 25 crore to the Shiv Sena, through electoral bonds.&nbsp;The intent was clear: here is the oligarch, here is the money, here is why Starlink is blocked.&nbsp;Reuters reported that more than half of the firm is held by three Reliance Group companies, though Reliance says Qwik Supply is not a subsidiary of any Reliance entity. And the electoral-bond scheme itself was later struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional, precisely because it let corporations funnel money to parties in secret.&nbsp;But Look Who Is Raising It&nbsp;The problem is not the fact. It is the messenger.&nbsp;The man presenting a Rs 385 crore donation as proof of a corrupt moneyed nexus is himself the single largest private political spender in modern democratic history. In the 2024 US election, Musk gave roughly $239 million, about Rs 2,000 crore, to America PAC, the super PAC he created to elect Donald Trump, and spent more than $290 million, over Rs 2,400 crore, in total, as per reports.&nbsp;In other words, the donation Musk is holding up as scandalous is roughly one-fifth of what he personally spent to install a president. By the standard he is applying to Ambani, Elon Musk is not the whistleblower. He is the exhibit.&nbsp;The Comparison, Done Honestly&nbsp;A fair piece has to concede the systems are not identical, and they are not.&nbsp;Electoral bonds were anonymous corporate donations to a ruling party that Reliance has interests before; US super-PAC spending is publicly disclosed and legal, and is formally independent of the candidate. Those are real differences, and anyone claiming the two are exactly the same is overreaching.&nbsp;But the differences cut against Musk as much as for him. His spending was not a quiet corporate cheque, it was a personal, record-shattering campaign to put one man in power, topped off with a $1-million-a-day voter giveaway that landed in court. He then took a role inside that government, over agencies that regulate his own companies. If Ambani's Rs 385 crore proves a businessman buying influence, Musk's Rs 2,000 crore and a seat in the administration prove it many times over.&nbsp;The Real Point&nbsp;An honest version of his argument would be: corporate political funding is corrosive everywhere, mine included. That is not the argument he is making. He is making the argument that one specific tycoon's donations are a crime against the Indian people, from behind the largest political chequebook any private individual has ever opened.&nbsp;What To Watch&nbsp;Whether Musk ever applies to his own spending the standard he applies to Ambani's. Whether the electoral-bond revelations he amplified get debated on their own merits, separate from his licence fight. And whether Indians notice that the man warning them about the power of rich men's money is the richest man of all, writing the biggest cheques of all.

To attack Ambani, Musk shared reports of a Reliance-linked firm's Rs 385 crore to the BJP. But Musk himself spent roughly Rs 2,000 crore to elect Trump — five times more. The man flagging one donation is the biggest political spender of all.

Elon Musk wants Indians to see Mukesh Ambani as the villain of the Starlink story: a tycoon whose political money buys him the power to keep competitors out. On 10 October, to make the point, Musk shared reports about Reliance-linked donations to the BJP, and mockingly addressed Ambani as 'Prime Minister Ambani'. What Musk Shared Musk posted two reports on X. One was a 2022 Al Jazeera investigation into a Reliance-funded firm's social-media work for BJP campaigns. The other was a 2024 Indian Express article on a Reliance-linked company, Qwik Supply Chain, donating Rs 385 crore to the BJP, and Rs 25 crore to the Shiv Sena, through electoral bonds. The intent was clear: here is the oligarch, here is the money, here is why Starlink is blocked. Reuters reported that more than half of the firm is held by three Reliance Group companies, though Reliance says Qwik Supply is not a subsidiary of any Reliance entity. And the electoral-bond scheme itself was later struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional, precisely because it let corporations funnel money to parties in secret. But Look Who Is Raising It The problem is not the fact. It is the messenger. The man presenting a Rs 385 crore donation as proof of a corrupt moneyed nexus is himself the single largest private political spender in modern democratic history. In the 2024 US election, Musk gave roughly $239 million, about Rs 2,000 crore, to America PAC, the super PAC he created to elect Donald Trump, and spent more than $290 million, over Rs 2,400 crore, in total, as per reports. In other words, the donation Musk is holding up as scandalous is roughly one-fifth of what he personally spent to install a president. By the standard he is applying to Ambani, Elon Musk is not the whistleblower. He is the exhibit. The Comparison, Done Honestly A fair piece has to concede the systems are not identical, and they are not. Electoral bonds were anonymous corporate donations to a ruling party that Reliance has interests before; US super-PAC spending is publicly disclosed and legal, and is formally independent of the candidate. Those are real differences, and anyone claiming the two are exactly the same is overreaching. But the differences cut against Musk as much as for him. His spending was not a quiet corporate cheque, it was a personal, record-shattering campaign to put one man in power, topped off with a $1-million-a-day voter giveaway that landed in court. He then took a role inside that government, over agencies that regulate his own companies. If Ambani's Rs 385 crore proves a businessman buying influence, Musk's Rs 2,000 crore and a seat in the administration prove it many times over. The Real Point An honest version of his argument would be: corporate political funding is corrosive everywhere, mine included. That is not the argument he is making. He is making the argument that one specific tycoon's donations are a crime against the Indian people, from behind the largest political chequebook any private individual has ever opened. What To Watch Whether Musk ever applies to his own spending the standard he applies to Ambani's. Whether the electoral-bond revelations he amplified get debated on their own merits, separate from his licence fight. And whether Indians notice that the man warning them about the power of rich men's money is the richest man of all, writing the biggest cheques of all.

To prove his claim that ‘oligarchs’ are blocking Starlink, Elon Musk shared reports alleging a Reliance-linked firm donated Rs 385 crore to the BJP. There is a problem with using that as evidence of a corrupt nexus: Musk himself spent roughly Rs 2,000 crore to elect Donald Trump. The man pointing at one donation is the biggest private political spender of them all.

'Spent Rs 2,000 cr to elect Trump': Elon Musk bought US President's loyalty by writing the biggest political cheque in human history

Tech billionaire Elon Musk continued his attack on Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani on Saturday with a post on X. He shared screenshots of media reports that alleged a Reliance-funded organisation helped boost BJP campaigns on social media. The post also claimed that a Reliance-linked company made large political donations to the BJP. Elon Musk's recent post on social media platform X shows an Al Jazeera report from 2022 headlined "How a Reliance-funded firm boosts BJP's campaigns on Facebook". The same post also shows an archived Indian Express report from 2024 on Qwik Supply, claiming that the Reliance-linked firm donated Rs 385 crore to the BJP and Rs 25 crore to the Shiv Sena through electoral bonds.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">https://t.co/DJYynAyO0W&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2108717598196244828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The latest post follows a wave of sharp criticism from Musk directed at Mukesh Ambani over a continuous delay in the rollout of Starlink satellite broadband services in India. Reliance has chosen not to respond publicly to Musk’s allegations, while the government has continued to insist that India’s authorisation framework for telecom and satellite services is “fair and non-discriminatory,” rejecting any suggestion that it is being applied selectively as “baseless and misconceived.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-co-pilot-developed-extremist-views-while-studying-in-australia-uae-prosecutors-1791613443387">Flydubai co-pilot developed extremist views while studying in Australia: UAE prosecutors</a><h3>Indian govt reacts</h3>The exchange unfolded against the backdrop of the India Mobile Congress this week, where, even as Musk’s pointed jabs and confrontations played out on X alongside the country’s flagship telecom showcase, Reliance Jio Infocomm Chairman Akash Ambani steered clear of the controversy. He said the company remained focused on delivering value to Indian consumers rather than engaging in the debate over satellite communication services. Hours before this latest post, Musk had referred to Mukesh Ambani on X as “Prime Minister Ambani,” accusing him of shielding a monopoly, and questioned whether Ambani would ever allow Starlink to compete on equal footing in India. Responding on Friday, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia pushed back, stating that India does not tolerate monopolies in any sector. He pointed out that despite the attention surrounding one company, three players currently hold satcom licences and are free to begin operations once they clear the required security checks and milestones.

The latest post follows a wave of sharp criticism from Musk directed at Mukesh Ambani over a continuous delay in the rollout of Starlink satellite broadband services in India. 

Tech billionaire Elon Musk continued his attack on Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani on Saturday with a post on X. He shared screenshots of media reports that alleged a Reliance-funded organisation helped boost BJP campaigns on social media. The post also claimed that a Reliance-linked company made large political donations to the BJP. Elon Musk's recent post on social media platform X shows an Al Jazeera report from 2022 headlined "How a Reliance-funded firm boosts BJP's campaigns on Facebook". The same post also shows an archived Indian Express report from 2024 on Qwik Supply, claiming that the Reliance-linked firm donated Rs 385 crore to the BJP and Rs 25 crore to the Shiv Sena through electoral bonds.

The latest post follows a wave of sharp criticism from Musk directed at Mukesh Ambani over a continuous delay in the rollout of Starlink satellite broadband services in India.&nbsp;

Elon Musk escalates attack on Ambani; shares media reports alleging Reliance funding BJP campaigns, donations

elon-musk

Elon Musk, News on Elon Musk, stories on Elon Musk, articles on Elon Musk, Elon Musk stories at Wion, Elon Musk news, Elon Musk latest news

elon musk

Defeat of 'Alt President' Elon Musk: Will SpaceX shift its HQ from Texas? | Gravitas

Defeat of 'alt president' Elon Musk: Will Space X shift its hq from Texas?

Musk's money fails to save Republicans

Elon Musk, the biggest Midterms loser? Nearly $500 million failed to buy wins

‘Space lasers didn’t work’: Musk’s sarcastic take on Trump’s midterm setback

Why are Grok users reaching their usage limits so quickly?

‘The people deserve their RAM too’: Elon Musk mocks Sam Altman’s memory comments

Regretamine to brain-computer interface: Musk's top 5 'unreal' ideas

Putin calls Musk ‘genius’, reveals they are in ‘close’ contact – What he said

Grok’s AI Odyssey debuts with seven-minute chapter after Musk’s full-film pledge

Is Trump risking US security? Musk’s SpaceX gets sensitive military data

$445 million and counting: Elon Musk’s massive push to shape US midterms 2026

Trump called Musk to lift Starlink restrictions affecting Ukraine's military operation: Report

Trump called Musk to lift Starlink speed restrictions in Ukraine: Report

Billionaires in the ring: Musk & Bloomberg fund the midterms

Democrats sue Trump over alleged 'threats and intimidation' ahead of election

If Musk slowed Starlink in Ukraine, it shouldn’t enter India. But who controls?

'Quite a hurdle': Musk backs SpaceX-Tesla merger as rocket firm posts 1st profit

Musk could end up giving $10.5bn to American kids under his new plan

SpaceX shares climb despite Bandwagon-5 delay, Musk’s gift pledge to US children

Elon Musk features on Lucknow's 'anti-India' Ravan poster alongside Rahul Gandhi

Starlink 'ready to connect India with high-speed internet' amid Reliance row

US midterms 2026: Here’s who Ken Paxton might thank if he wins Texas Senate race

Tesla Roadster's thrusters vs rocket engines: What's the difference?