Elon Musk has announced that Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by SpaceX, will be providing free broadband internet access to people in Venezuela for a limited time. The initiative comes amid the ongoing political turbulence in the country.
Musk shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his support for the Venezuelan people, and included a message from Starlink confirming the free internet services until February 3. The post read: “In support of the people of Venezuela 🇻🇪, Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity.”
This announcement follows dramatic political changes in Venezuela, particularly concerning former President Nicolas Maduro. Recently, video footage released by U.S. authorities showed Maduro in handcuffs during a staged perp walk, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s leadership. Maduro, who was once considered a dictator, had been removed by the United States.
As the political situation evolved, Venezuela’s Supreme Court moved quickly to address the leadership vacuum. The Court ruled that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez would assume the powers and responsibilities of acting president after Maduro was ousted. This decision was made due to Maduro’s “temporary inability” to perform his presidential duties.
In a statement read on Venezuelan state television, Justice Tania D’Amelio announced that Rodriguez would temporarily assume all presidential powers to ensure continuity in government. The decision referenced Venezuela’s constitution, which designates the vice president as the acting president when the incumbent president is unable to serve.
Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton also shared insight into the situation, explaining that the U.S. had previously considered removing Maduro during Donald Trump’s first term, but the plan never fully gained traction. Bolton described how U.S. officials struggled to keep Trump’s attention focused on the issue, even though Trump had expressed strong interest in Venezuela’s oil reserves.
Ultimately, the U.S. launched a significant strike against Venezuela, which led to Maduro’s capture and subsequent charges against him. The regime-change operation was carried out without Congressional approval.
