Claim:
Elon Musk’s Starlink technology was used to manipulate votes and rig the 2024 US presidential election in favor of Donald Trump.
Verdict:
False. Election security experts and state officials confirm there is no evidence of Starlink being used to influence vote counts, and the claims are baseless.
The Claim:
Posts on social media allege that Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites were used to upload and manipulate votes in swing states during the 2024 US presidential election. Some claims even suggest Russian hackers exploited Starlink technology to favor Donald Trump.
Fact-Check Analysis:
- Election Infrastructure Security:
- Voting machines in the United States are typically not connected to the internet, making it impossible for satellite-based technology like Starlink to manipulate vote counts.
- Swing states, including North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, have robust election security protocols that prevent unauthorized access to vote tabulation systems.
- Statements from Election Officials:
- Patrick Gannon, spokesperson for the North Carolina State Board of Elections, confirmed that voting equipment in the state is never connected to the internet.
- Officials in other swing states also reported no evidence of Starlink being used for any election-related activities.
- Use of Starlink in Elections:
- The only documented use of Starlink in election infrastructure occurred in Tulare County, California—a non-swing state. It was limited to connecting electronic pollbooks to voter databases and did not involve vote tabulation.
- Claims of Russian Hacking:
- Experts like Genya Coulter from the OSET Institute emphasized that misinformation spread by Russian-linked groups poses a greater threat than direct hacking of election systems.
- No evidence links Starlink to any vote manipulation or hacking attempts during the election.
- Starlink Satellite Fireball:
- A Starlink satellite reentry on November 10, 2024, sparked additional conspiracy theories. However, experts like NASA’s Jonathan McDowell confirmed that such reentries are routine and unrelated to election interference.
Context:
The conspiracy theory about Starlink emerged after Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 election loss, echoing previous election denial claims. Experts like journalist Mike Rothschild attribute these theories to a natural response to unexpected political outcomes.
Conclusion:
The claim that Elon Musk’s Starlink was used to rig the 2024 US presidential election is unfounded. Federal and state officials have confirmed the security and integrity of election infrastructure, and there is no evidence supporting the allegations.
Verdict: False.