Musk deploys Cybertrucks-Starlink in L.A. after controversial statements

Billionaire Elon Musk announced on X the deployment of Cybertruck and Starlink in the Los Angeles area, after sparking controversy on the platform with a series of statements about the fires currently burning in California.

After maligning the emergency response to the devastating wildfires in California, Elon Musk said he would help provide internet access to areas in need in Los Angeles.

— The New York Times (@nytimes.com) 2025-01-13T13:21:51.787Z

Musk said he wanted to position Starlink-equipped Cybertrucks offering free Wi-Fi access in the hardest-hit areas, including around Los Angeles and Malibu.

Musk made the announcement on his social network on Sunday, just days after stirring up controversy by sharing criticism and theories about the fires that have ravaged entire neighborhoods near Los Angeles, including the Palisades Fire.

Elon Musk reportedly attended a private briefing on the Palisades Fire at the incident’s command center, before making his announcement.

Elon Musk recently posted several messages on X associating the fires with various theories, including pointing the finger at the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiative, which he sees as partially responsible for the spread of the fires.

In one such message, he asserted, “DEI means people DIE (DIE),” while retweeting a post criticizing the LAFD’s leader.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is led by Kristin Crowley, the first woman and first LGBTQ chief to hold the position.

With over 22 years’ experience with the organization, where she has held a variety of roles including firefighter, paramedic, fire inspector, captain and assistant chief, she is nonetheless currently the subject of a smear campaign orchestrated by right-wing figures and media, including Elon Musk, who accuse her of having been recruited solely because of DEI criteria.

In his announcement, Elon Musk stated that he had requisitioned eight Cybertrucks, some of which were destined for customers awaiting delivery “in the next few days” in order to send them to the Los Angeles area.