Trump is forcing states to funnel grant money to Starlink, Senate Democrats say
Trump is forcing states to funnel grant money to Starlink, Senate Democrats say
Trump is forcing states to funnel grant money to Starlink, Senate Democrats say
Overhaul of $42 billion program could delay deployment for years, Democrats warn.
Summary
Senate Democrats accused the Trump administration of stalling $42 billion in broadband grants and redirecting funds toward Elon Musk’s Starlink by overturning Biden-era rules favoring fiber networks.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s “tech-neutral” policy prioritizes cost over quality, potentially sidelining more reliable fiber infrastructure.
A May 30 letter warned delays could push projects back two years.
Trump also scrapped a separate $2.75 billion Digital Equity program, calling it “racist and illegal.” Critics say the moves undermine broadband expansion in rural and underserved communities.