Media: US Democrats planning to investigate Musk's actions over Starlink throttling for Ukraine
The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has sent letters to private companies and the administration demanding that they preserve documents ahead of expected investigations during the next session of Congress, which will be controlled by the Democrats.
As reported by CNN, letters have been sent to Elon Musk regarding the throttling of the Starshield system in Ukraine. Letters were also sent to all ports, banks and private entities involved in a deal to supply Russian diesel fuel, an aide to a Democratic senator noted. He added that "sending letters" to generally preserve documents to individuals suspected of violating the law "or being involved in certain activities" is a "standard committee procedure".
It is expected that in January, when the Democrats gain a majority in Congress, they will make significant efforts to investigate the actions of the Trump administration over the past two years.
The aide noted that there is "intense communication" on oversight issues as the committee undergoes a change in leadership. As sources told CNN, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the committee, is retiring, and Senator Chris Coons is expected to become the committee chair.
The aide also pointed out that no significant changes to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) are expected. "The base text in both the Senate and the House of Representatives has basically been agreed upon," he said. The bill was passed by the Senate in July but has yet to be voted on in the House of Representatives.
The aide noted that if "something drastic happens" with the war in Iran, "Democrats might try to push new language in exchange for votes". However, he noted that in the current Congress, Republicans still hold the majority, so it is unlikely they will support limiting President Donald Trump's powers on this issue.
Earlier, the Pentagon's watchdog rejected a bipartisan request from US senators to investigate recent disruptions to Starlink and Starshield for Ukraine.
On 22 October, the WSJ learned that US President Donald Trump had allegedly called Elon Musk and asked him to lift the restrictions on Starshield in Ukraine.
Trump himself refused to say whether it was he who called the owner of SpaceX.
On 24 October Zelenskyy confirmed the restoration of Starlink and Starshield "at the speeds they were capable of before these restrictions were imposed".