Musk's Government Efficiency Plans Entangle with Billionaire-Backed DOGE

Elon Musk, appointed by Donald Trump to co-lead a commission on government efficiency, may influence federal broadband funding to benefit his company, Starlink. Musk has criticized the Biden administration's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (Bead) Program, which funds rural broadband expansion, as Starlink has been excluded for not meeting speed standards. With Trump's support, Musk could shift funding priorities, potentially delaying fiber optic projects and benefiting Starlink. This raises concerns about conflicts of interest and legal challenges, as Musk's influence could reshape rural internet access policies.