Elon Musk's reputation has taken a hit in some circles in recent years. His political outspokenness on social media has ruffled some feathers, but it has also granted him an enormous cult-like following online.

India, Lesotho, Bangladesh, and other countries have moved forward with Starlink adoption in recent weeks.

Some countries have turned to the satellite internet firm in preparation for trade talks, State Department staffers wrote. The U.S. has a strategic interest in countering Chinese internet providers, but Musk’s role complicates the picture.