Georgia and North Carolina were among the states hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. The storm inundated cities like Augusta, Georgia, and Asheville, North Carolina, Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28.
As a result, many communities lost access to communications, leaving residents without phones or internet. This lack of connectivity hindered the ability to report emergencies or contact loved ones to check on their safety.
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In response, Elon Musk deployed Starlink systems to the region, providing access without payment. This move has helped restore some communication capabilities as crews work to rebuild infrastructure in the devastated areas.
While many residents have regained phone and internet access thanks to Starlink, a political debate has emerged over who deserves credit for the restoration efforts.
Former President Donald Trump visited Georgia on Monday, Sept. 30, delivering supplies in trucks and saying he had been in touch with Musk to facilitate the Starlink deployment.
“They don’t have communication; they don’t have anything right now,” Trump said. “I just spoke to Elon. We want to get Starlink hooked up because they have no communication whatsoever, and Elon always comes through.”
Trump also spoke of the election but said politics should be put aside.
“As you know, our country is in the final weeks of a hard-fought national election, but in a crisis like this, none of that matters. We have to all work together to get this solved,” he said.
In response to a Bloomberg article discussing Trump’s communication with Musk, White House Press Secretary Andrew Bates posted, “This is already happening,” referencing a FEMA press release from Monday that announced 40 Starlink systems were available for first responders, with an additional 140 on the way.
FEMA told Business Insider that the federal government decided to send the systems on Sunday, Sept. 29, and that Trump was not involved in those discussions.
Musk confirmed on X that he was in contact with Trump, who alerted him to areas still in need of assistance.
“SpaceX has sent as many Starlink terminals as possible to help areas in need,” Musk stated. “Earlier today, Trump alerted me to additional people who need Starlink internet in North Carolina. We are sending them terminals right away.”
Musk also noted that Starlink would have been operational in the region before the hurricane struck if not for federal roadblocks.
“Had the FCC not illegally revoked the SpaceX Starlink award, it would probably have saved lives in North Carolina. Lawfare costs lives,” he posted on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Political tensions continue, with rhetoric from the Left accusing Trump of taking credit for the deployment of Starlink, while the Right criticizes the Biden administration for a slow response.
As political disputes over Hurricane Helene unfold, rescue efforts for those still missing are ongoing. However, hope for survivors is dwindling as the region nears a week since the hurricane devastated the Southeast.
