• Elon Musk's political interventions are beginning to be a problem for SpaceX.
• The rocket firm is attempting to launch Starlink in South Africa even as Musk criticizes the country's laws as "openly racist."
• Ontario ripped up a Starlink contract in response to the threat of US tariffs from Musk ally Donald Trump.

Elon Musk has plunged into political discourse, leading to complications for SpaceX's marquee service, Starlink. The satellite internet service, which has made strides by expanding into 27 new markets and experienced tripling its internet traffic in the past year, is now facing backlash linked to Musk's outspoken remarks against a Black empowerment law in South Africa.

Musk's assertion that this law is "openly racist" has sparked tensions, causing delays in SpaceX's quest for regulatory approval in the region as authorities debate potential exemptions. Similarly, Musk's substantial political donations and roles within the Trump administration have already impacted the firm, exemplified by Ontario's recent decision to cancel a $68 million contract with Starlink due to proposed tariffs. Musk’s actions continue to reverberate through both South African and Canadian political landscapes, raising questions over how these developments may affect Starlink’s future expansion.