Key facts
- The Pentagon's watchdog refused a bipartisan Senate request to investigate Starlink and Starshield service disruptions to Ukraine.
- Lawmakers cited concerns that Department of Defense or contractor actions may have contributed to the disruptions.
- The watchdog suggested the senators direct their concerns to the U.S. Air Force.
- The disruptions occurred on October 14, when SpaceX reportedly implemented a speed cap on Starshield service.
- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to lift the restrictions on October 21.
The Pentagon's inspector general has refused a request from a bipartisan group of U.S. senators to investigate disruptions to Ukraine's Starlink and Starshield services. The senators had written to the watchdog on October 15, seeking an inquiry into whether Department of Defense actions or contractors contributed to the issues. In a response received October 27, the inspector general suggested the lawmakers direct their concerns to the U.S. Air Force, according to the Associated Press. Senator Jeanne Shaheen called the response concerning and urged an independent review, citing conflicting accounts regarding the disruptions. The speed cap on Starshield reportedly occurred on October 14 amid tensions between Kyiv and the White House. Reports also suggest President Donald Trump ordered SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to lift the restrictions.