As Venezuela is thrown into unprecedented political upheaval following the dramatic removal of Nicolás Maduro, Elon Musk makes a surprise move that could reshape daily life for millions by opening the digital gates to the nation.
In a striking gesture amid Venezuela’s deepening political crisis, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network will provide free broadband internet access to the country for a limited period. The move comes as Venezuela faces uncertainty following the United States’ intervention and the removal of President Nicolás Maduro.
Posting on X, Musk said that “in support of the people of Venezuela,” Starlink would offer free broadband connectivity nationwide. A reposted statement added that “Starlink will provide free broadband service to the people of Venezuela until February 3rd, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.” The announcement immediately drew global attention, highlighting the growing role of private technology companies in geopolitical crises.
The timing of Musk’s offer coincides with dramatic developments involving Maduro. US authorities released video footage showing the Venezuelan leader in handcuffs following his capture. In the footage, Maduro appeared calm, wishing reporters and Drug Enforcement Administration agents a happy new year and a good night as he was taken into custody.
As the political vacuum widened, Venezuela’s Supreme Court moved swiftly to ensure continuity of governance. The court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume the powers and duties of the acting presidency, citing Maduro’s temporary inability to carry out his functions. The ruling, announced on Saturday and broadcast on state television channel VTV, stated that Rodriguez “shall assume and exercise, as acting president, all the powers and duties inherent to the presidency of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in order to ensure administrative continuity and the comprehensive security of the nation.”
Judges referenced Venezuela’s constitution, which mandates that the vice president must replace the president in cases of temporary or absolute absence.
Additional insight into the unfolding situation came from former US national security adviser John Bolton. Speaking to CNN, Bolton revealed that plans to remove Maduro had been presented to US President Donald Trump during his first term. He said officials at the time struggled to manage the process, while Venezuela’s opposition believed economic pressure alone would be sufficient to end Maduro’s rule.
As political power shifts and digital lifelines open, Venezuela now stands at a crossroads shaped by global politics, technology, and uncertainty.
