Person

Elon Musk

1. Follow-up: Trump says Musk has restored Ukraine's Starlink access; Zelensky says military Starshield speeds not fully back

   US President Trump said on Oct 22 that Elon Musk had restored Ukraine's Starlink access, declining to comment on a Wall Street Journal report that he had phoned Musk to ask for a slowdown to be lifted. Ukrainian President Zelensky said earlier the same day that military-grade Starshield connectivity had not yet fully recovered and that he was waiting for Secretary of State Rubio to reply within about 48 hours. The White House had denied ordering SpaceX to restrict access, and Musk said last week that Starshield is ultimately controlled by the US government.

   Oct 23, 2026 Afternoon
2. Musk ordered Starlink slowdown for Ukraine, disrupting military drones, WSJ reports

   Japan Times, citing a Wall Street Journal report of Oct 20, said the recent Starlink slowdown for Ukraine came on orders from SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk and hindered Ukrainian drones on defensive and offensive missions; the report said Musk discussed the matter with Trump after it became public. CBS News, citing people familiar with the matter, said the satellite service used to control drones, hit targets and protect facilities was sharply slowed last week, and that Musk spoke repeatedly with government officials before the order to gauge the president's views and did not want the company seen as profiting from the Russia-Ukraine war. Musk said last week Starshield technology is licensed to the US government, which decides who can use it and at what service level.

   Oct 21, 2026 Afternoon
3. Musk says Tesla–SpaceX merger under active consideration; both boards form special committees

   BBC reported that on Oct 20, on SpaceX's third-quarter earnings call, Elon Musk said a Tesla–SpaceX merger was 'a good idea' and under active consideration but would need shareholder support; each company has formed a special committee to study it, the committees have not agreed any deal terms, and a deal is not assured. TechCrunch said the special committees are made up of independent directors and were set up at shareholders' request; Musk said he is conflicted and cannot take part in the discussions. Tesla's market value is about $1.5 trillion and SpaceX's valuation about $2 trillion; a combination would be among the largest deals ever.

   Oct 21, 2026 Afternoon