During the week of the announcement, Carr attended a SpaceX launch alongside Musk and Trump, highlighting their connections.

Concerns have been raised about Musk's potential influence within the Trump administration due to his close relationship with Trump.

Previously, Carr had criticized the FCC's decision, labeling it as 'regulatory harassment' against Musk's businesses.

Overall, Carr's statements reflect a complex interplay of regulatory decisions, political relationships, and the future of broadband access in rural America.

The FCC had previously denied these subsidies in December 2023, citing Starlink's failure to meet basic program requirements, including the obligation to provide high-speed internet to 642,000 rural homes.

Carr's comments regarding the subsidy denial and other issues were made during a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing at the U.S. Capitol on November 21, 2024.

Notably, Elon Musk, a key adviser and donor to President-elect Donald Trump, was recently appointed to co-chair a government efficiency initiative.

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who is set to become chair on January 20, 2024, stated that it is 'very unlikely' the FCC will reconsider its 2022 denial of $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies to SpaceX's Starlink.

Since the FCC's decision was affirmed in 2023, Carr noted that there has been no further reconsideration or appeal from Starlink regarding this matter.

Carr explained that the denial was based on procedural grounds, as SpaceX did not pursue any further appeal or reconsideration of the FCC's ruling.

While Carr has not fully reviewed the issue, he indicated that procedural barriers make it improbable for the FCC to revisit the subsidy denial.

In addition to this matter, Carr expressed intentions to review whether major broadcasters like NBC, ABC, and CBS are fulfilling their public interest obligations.