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submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/politics@lemmy.world

Summary

Elon Musk's net worth has dropped by $110.8 billion since its peak in December 2024, largely due to Tesla’s stock decline following Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.

However, his close ties to Trump and influence over government contracts, including Starlink deals, may help him recover.

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[-] CoffeeJunkie@lemmy.cafe 2 points 2 days ago

I don't understand everyone's surprise, or disgust, or whatever reaction to Starlink & government relations. Like they should be entirely separate all the time & how dare they benefit each other. Has it ever occurred to anyone that a very strong, US-based & ran, worldwide operated internet would very much be in the favor of the United States?? 🤔 No, just me?

For years, before you all hated Musk, I have considered Starlink & the US interests to be one in the same. It is only natural that US collaborates with Starlink. I'm relatively confident the US government has worked on, refined Starlink for Musk & Starlink team. I mean why not? I'm also sure there are plenty of strings attached to the monies & tax breaks given, like the US government owns their ass. Wasn't Starlink access basically used as a weapon at one point in the Russia-Ukraine war? Starlink is shield & weapon, the raw power of the internet, exclusively owned & operated by US government & allies.

It just always amuses me when people say, "And Starlink is getting deals from the government!"...Yeah? Duh?? With what uses I outlined above, I find it hard to believe they wouldn't get deals.

[-] v_krishna@lemmy.ml 9 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

This is such an unbelievably bad take.

First, Musk has always been a tool, a nepo baby, and an asshole. Just because American liberals only recently noticed this doesn't mean he used to be great.

Second, this isn't the case of Starlink being State owned and controlled, it's the case of the State being Starlink owned and controlled. That's what was happening in Ukraine and what will continue to happen. If you think for a second that Musk is beholden to anything or anybody I've got a rusty polygon ridden death trap to sell you.

this post was submitted on 07 Mar 2025
638 points (100.0% liked)

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