Elon Musk has stepped in to aid areas devastated by Hurricane Helene by deploying Starlink equipment to help people reconnect with the outside world. However, Musk has voiced frustration over what he describes as “belligerent government incompetence” hindering relief efforts. On Friday, Musk shared a text message exchange between himself and SpaceX engineers on the ground in North Carolina, highlighting the difficulties they are facing in delivering Starlink and supplies due to interference from government agencies.
“Just received this note from a SpaceX engineer helping on the ground in North Carolina,” Musk posted on X. “FEMA is not merely failing to adequately help people in trouble, but is actively blocking citizens who try to help!” Musk quoted the engineer as saying, “We’ve deployed 300+ Starlinks and it has saved many lives. The big issue is FEMA is actively blocking shipments and seizing goods and services locally… It’s very real and scary how much they have taken control to stop people helping.”
Musk expressed his outrage, adding, “The level of belligerent government incompetence is staggering!!” He also noted that Starlink services have been made free across the affected areas for those impacted by the hurricane.
The text exchange revealed that FEMA was allegedly blocking shipments of new Starlink units and restricting airspace for private helicopters delivering supplies. Musk’s team on the ground reported that FEMA was working to control the relief efforts to the detriment of those in need, including seizing goods meant for hurricane victims. Despite contacting Ivanka Trump and delivering Starlink systems with her assistance, FEMA continued to interfere, according to Musk’s team.
In response to Musk’s post, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated, “No one is shutting down the airspace and FAA doesn’t block legitimate rescue and recovery flights. If you’re encountering a problem, give me a call.” Musk quickly replied, asserting that hundreds of reports had surfaced about FEMA and FAA blocking flights and asking for a direct number to resolve the issue.
Musk also criticized FEMA for its slow response in allowing aid deliveries, saying, “SpaceX engineers are trying to deliver Starlink terminals & supplies to devastated areas in North Carolina right now, and @FEMA is both failing to help AND won’t let others help. This is unconscionable!!”
Meanwhile, reports from those in the hardest-hit regions, particularly in North Carolina, claim that government agencies have been reluctant to collaborate with citizen volunteers, including those with helicopters and specialized training, like volunteer firefighters.
On Monday, the White House confirmed that dozens of Starlink systems were already in use in North Carolina, with 100 more on the way to assist in relief efforts. Former President Donald Trump also spoke with Musk about deploying Starlink to the region, emphasizing its importance for recovery.
FEMA, in a statement, said that 40 Starlink systems were already operational in North Carolina to support first responders, with an additional 140 systems en route to aid recovery efforts.
