US official urges Europe to choose between Starlink and Chinese tech amid growing tensions

Trump official urges Europe to support Starlink, counter Chinese influence.

A top Trump administration official has urged European allies to back Elon Musk’s Starlink network, warning that hesitation in partnering with the US-based satellite provider could leave the continent increasingly vulnerable to the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission and a key figure in the Trump administration’s technology agenda, told the Financial Times that European governments were facing a critical moment of decision as tensions between Western democracies and Beijing deepen.

Carr warns against Chinese alternatives to Starlink

Carr, a longtime supporter of Musk and author of a chapter in the conservative Project 2025 policy playbook, said Europe’s reluctance to fully embrace Starlink was short-sighted. “If you’re concerned about Starlink, just wait for the CCP’s version, then you’ll be really worried,” he said, arguing that geopolitical alignment in AI and satellite communications is dividing the world into two blocs — one led by the US and the other increasingly shaped by China.

European telecom firms such as BT and Virgin Media O2 are currently trialling Starlink’s satellite broadband, but have not yet signed long-term contracts. Carr’s comments come amid unease in Europe following Washington’s threat to disable Starlink’s services in Ukraine — a move that raised doubts about the reliability of the US system in critical situations.

Accusations of EU protectionism and anti-American bias

Carr also took aim at the European Commission, accusing it of fostering protectionism and harbouring an “anti-American” attitude toward US tech firms. He warned that European regulators had a clear bias against companies like SpaceX and other American innovators. While Brussels has said that it will fairly enforce global trade rules, Carr insisted Europe was at a crossroads.

“If Europe has its own satellite constellation then great,” Carr said. “But more broadly, I think Europe is caught a little bit between the US and China. And it’s sort of time for choosing.”

Push for Nokia and Ericsson to shift production to US

Carr also called on European telecom giants Nokia and Ericsson — major providers of mobile network infrastructure in the US — to relocate more of their manufacturing to America in light of Trump’s recent import tariffs. He suggested that companies that moved operations stateside could benefit from faster regulatory clearances, helping offset the financial burden of higher trade barriers.

Both companies have already established a presence in the US, with Ericsson opening a factory in Texas and Nokia operating five manufacturing sites and five R&D hubs. However, their executives remain cautious, saying future expansion will depend on how the new tariff regime unfolds.

Europe’s satellite options still lag behind Starlink

While the European Commission recently proposed shifting military satellite service contracts to EU-based providers, industry analysts caution that no European satellite network currently matches Starlink’s scale or capabilities. Shares in companies like Eutelsat and SES have risen in anticipation of local contracts, but their debt levels and infrastructure limitations remain major hurdles.

Carr’s remarks reinforce the Trump administration’s broader strategy of reshaping transatlantic technology alliances. As the US ramps up its domestic tech manufacturing and tariffs, the message to Europe is clear: Align with America — or risk falling behind in the global tech race.