Pentagon Watchdog Declines Ukraine Starlink Probe

Nine bipartisan senators led by Thom Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen wrote the Pentagon inspector general on Oct. 15 requesting an investigation into Starlink and Starshield disruptions in Ukraine. They wrote, "We urgently request an Inspector General investigation into these incidents," including whether Defense Department or contractor decisions contributed. Inspector General Platte Moring responded Oct. 27 by directing senators to the US Air Force and Space Force. Mollie Halpern said the office carefully considered the request and determined the matters were best addressed by the Department. SpaceX implemented a speed cap on Starshield on Oct. 14, reportedly to around 160 kilometers an hour. Speeds were fully restored the prior Saturday. CONTESTED: Jeanne Shaheen said it is concerning the inspector general decided not to investigate and that the Trump Administration and SpaceX have provided conflicting accounts of what led to those disruptions. She said there must be an independent accounting and review and urged a full investigation. The Telegraph reported Musk approached Trump about restricting speeds. The Wall Street Journal reported Trump ordered Musk on Oct. 21 to lift restrictions. Musk said SpaceX throttled service because Ukraine violated terms of service. Serhiy Sternenko disputed the claim. A second Senate letter went to Musk on Oct. 23. Responsibility for the slowdowns remains unresolved.