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Trump Broadband Nominee Denies Favoritism Toward Elon Musk’s Starlink

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Arielle Roth, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), firmly rejected claims on Thursday that she would steer a $42 billion broadband expansion program in favor of Elon Musk’s satellite internet firm, Starlink.

During a Senate confirmation hearing, Roth stated, “I will administer the program to the benefit of the American people, not any single individual or company,” amid Democratic concerns that Trump allies could direct a large share of funds toward Musk, a close adviser to the president.

Concerns Over Program Priorities
The broadband initiative, created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, prioritizes fiber-optic technology, widely regarded as more cost-effective and capable of delivering faster speeds than satellite internet. However, Democrats fear the Trump administration may shift that priority to favor Starlink, potentially giving Musk up to $20 billion in funding.

Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) criticized any such move:

“I strongly urge you to oppose this giveaway to Elon Musk,” he said, emphasizing the law’s fiber-first intent.

While the program does not ban satellite services, it restricts their use to areas where fiber installation would be excessively costly.

Republican Pushback
Republicans, meanwhile, argue the Biden administration politicized the program by moving too slowly and allegedly blacklisting Musk. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) pointed to delays in approvals and called for a more tech-neutral approach.
Only three states have had their proposals approved, and just four have finalized provider selections. Thirty more are still reviewing applications.

Shift Toward Tech-Neutral Strategy
Earlier this month, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced a review aimed at ensuring the program supports the most cost-efficient broadband solutions—whether fiber, satellite, or other technologies.

“We want an outcome-driven, tech-neutral approach that prioritizes getting the most Americans connected at the lowest cost,” Lutnick said.

Stakes for Rural America
The NTIA’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is one of the largest government efforts to close the digital divide in rural America. As debates continue over technology preferences and political influences, Roth’s confirmation could play a pivotal role in the program’s direction during Trump’s second term.

Anduril Sees Positive Outlook with Trump Administration’s Defense Strategy

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Anduril, the AI-powered defense start-up, is optimistic about its position under the new Trump administration, with its president, Christian Brose, stating that the company feels positive “vibes” from the Pentagon’s recent defense shakeup. Brose, who has previously worked with Republican Senator John McCain, emphasized that Anduril’s focus on low-cost autonomous defense systems aligns well with the Trump administration’s preferences for innovation and efficiency in defense procurement.

Anduril’s Alignment with Trump’s Defense Priorities

Brose noted that Anduril’s approach to autonomous defense technology fits well with the administration’s goals to shake up the military’s traditional procurement processes. The start-up, co-founded by Palmer Luckey—who is a known supporter of Donald Trump—has built strong relationships within the current government. According to Brose, the administration’s willingness to do things differently creates significant opportunities for companies like Anduril.

In December, Anduril announced a partnership with OpenAI to deploy advanced artificial intelligence solutions for national security missions, further aligning itself with emerging defense strategies. Brose also pointed out the Pentagon’s recent $50 billion budget cut directive, speculating that this could be an effort to shift resources into new forms of military capabilities rather than merely reduce spending.

Expansion Plans and International Collaborations

Anduril, which is constructing a mass manufacturing facility for autonomous systems in Ohio, is also eyeing international growth, including potential expansion into Australia. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is currently trialing Anduril’s AI-driven intrusion detection software at RAAF Base Darwin, where U.S. Marines are stationed.

In addition, Anduril Australia is bidding to produce solid rocket motors for the ADF’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise. The company is also working with the ADF to produce the Ghost Shark underwater autonomous machine, with plans to ramp up production soon. Brose indicated that Anduril could expand its production footprint to other countries if the business case justifies such an investment, with Australia being a potential location.

Defense Technology and the Future of AUKUS

Under the AUKUS treaty, which involves the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, the U.S. and Britain will assist Australia in developing nuclear-powered submarines. Australia plans to spend over A$360 billion on this initiative. Brose emphasized that while autonomous systems like Anduril’s Ghost Shark can be produced faster, in larger quantities, and at a lower cost, they should complement—not replace—crewed submarines in a well-rounded defense strategy.

Signal Grows in Popularity Among Trump Allies and Opponents Alike

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Signal, the end-to-end encrypted messaging app, has seen a surge in popularity, becoming the app of choice for a wide range of users, from Elon Musk’s government restructuring team to protesters opposing his initiatives. Known for its commitment to privacy, Signal offers secure communication, attracting both privacy-conscious individuals and those with more contentious political agendas.

Widespread Adoption Across Political and Government Spheres

Signal, founded over a decade ago, has emerged as the gold standard for encrypted communication. Mobile security experts widely consider it the safest platform for private conversations. The app’s adoption has been rapid, especially among government officials, lawmakers, and corporate leaders who seek to protect their sensitive discussions. Data from Sensor Tower shows that U.S. downloads of Signal in early 2025 were up 16% from the previous quarter and 25% compared to the same period in 2024.

In Washington, D.C., the app has become ubiquitous. Many congressional aides and political appointees now use Signal, with the phrase “Let’s take this to Signal” signaling that the conversation is about to turn private. A review by the Associated Press found that more than 1,100 government officials across all 50 states are now using the app.

Signal’s Role in Elon Musk’s Government Efforts and Opposition Movements

Musk’s efforts to overhaul the federal bureaucracy, particularly through his Department of Government Efficiency, have been coordinated via Signal, according to reports from the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Musk himself has used the app for confidential discussions, including communications surrounding his 2022 purchase of Twitter. Recently, he used Signal to speak with Ashley St. Clair, a right-wing social media personality and mother of his children.

On the other side of the political spectrum, Signal has become a key tool for those opposing Trump’s agenda. Civil service whistleblowers, in particular, have turned to the app to avoid surveillance from Trump appointees. Three employees recently fired by the administration shared with Reuters that their colleagues are rapidly downloading the app to discuss sensitive matters without fear of government monitoring.

Government and Corporate Endorsement of Signal

Some governments have formally endorsed the use of Signal for secure communication. In 2020, the European Commission encouraged its staff to use the app for public instant messaging. While the U.S. government has not issued such explicit guidance, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommended that senior government officials switch to encrypted communication apps like Signal in a guidance published late last year. The U.S. Senate has also approved the app for use by legislative staff.

Signal’s Privacy and Its Risks

The appeal of Signal is its privacy protections, which the company claims gather only the bare minimum amount of user data. However, these same protections have made the app attractive to individuals with less-than-lawful intentions. Criminals, including drug dealers, have increasingly used Signal for illicit communications, as noted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in a 2022 report. Furthermore, the rioters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack also used Signal to coordinate their efforts, according to court filings.

Conclusion

Signal’s rise in popularity across both political and social movements highlights the growing demand for secure, encrypted communication. From the Trump administration’s reshaping of government agencies to protests against his policies, Signal is playing a central role in facilitating private conversations. As concerns over privacy and surveillance continue to rise, the app’s importance is likely to keep growing in both political and criminal circles.