Elon Musk and the plot to hijack America’s broadband (opens original article in a new tab)

The Trump administration's changes to the BEAD broadband program shifted focus to satellite internet, benefiting billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, while delaying fiber deployment and reducing accountability.

• BEAD program, a $42.45 billion broadband expansion initiative, faced delays and changes under the Trump administration.
• The Trump administration's BEAD restructuring prioritized satellite internet over fiber, benefiting Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.
• Critics argue the changes undermined affordability and equity, with little actual broadband deployment achieved as of 2026.