From Satellites to Sovereignty: Bolsonaro, Trump, Musk, and the Modern Power Play

By Carl Boniface

In March 2020, as the COVID‑19 pandemic began to sweep the globe, Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, visited the United States and met with former president Donald Trump.

Around that time, many Brazilians began noticing bright, shimmering lines of lights in the early morning sky. These lights were not UFOs — they were the first visible flights of Starlink, Elon Musk’s ambitious network of low Earth orbit satellites designed to provide high-speed internet anywhere in the world.

The appearance of these satellites over Brazil raises fascinating questions about who controls modern infrastructure, who authorizes its deployment, and how political influence shapes technology’s global reach.

Regulatory Approval: How Starlink Entered Brazil

Before Starlink could operate legally in Brazil, it needed permission from the country’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel. Officially, the agency granted Starlink the right to use the necessary spectrum and operate its service, with approval first issued in 2022 and expanded in later years.

However, reporting from Brazilian media indicates that the Bolsonaro administration may have expedited the process. The Ministry of Communications was reportedly involved in correspondence with Anatel officials, pushing for faster approval. Some agency directors expressed concern about what they perceived as political pressure.

This does not suggest illegality, but it illustrates how executive influence can shape regulatory decisions, even in institutions meant to act independently.

Visible Satellites and Their Symbolism

The bright Starlink satellites, often visible at dawn and dusk, are harmless in themselves. But symbolically, they represent a new kind of power: private corporations controlling infrastructure that spans entire nations. When citizens look up and see these satellites streaking across the sky, it is natural to wonder: Who decides which companies operate above a country? Whose interests are being served?

Three Key Themes Emerging from the Story

1. Executive Power vs. Democratic Norms

   The Bolsonaro administration’s involvement in the approval process highlights how political leaders can influence independent agencies. While this may accelerate innovation or investment, it also raises concerns about accountability and fairness in democratic systems.

   
   

2. Digital Sovereignty

   Modern nations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure for communication, commerce, and security. When foreign corporations operate critical networks, questions of national sovereignty — control and oversight — come to the forefront.

   
   

3. Global Influence of Tech Billionaires

   Figures like Elon Musk operate on a scale that can rival small nations. Their partnerships with governments have real-world consequences, from regulatory decisions to strategic communication networks, demonstrating a blend of corporate power and geopolitical influence.

   
   

Contemporary Tensions and Lessons

The Starlink story is ongoing. As regulatory frameworks and legal challenges evolve, conflicts occasionally arise between private companies and state authorities. In Brazil, disputes between Starlink and the judiciary or regulators underscore the delicate balance between corporate innovation, executive influence, and the rule of law.

This case provides a broader lesson: in the digital era, technology, politics, and power are deeply intertwined. Decisions about who controls the skies or the networks that connect billions of people are not just technical — they are inherently political, ethical, and strategic.

Conclusion

The visible streaks of Starlink satellites over Brazil may seem like a small spectacle in the sky, but they reflect much larger dynamics. They remind us that in a world dominated by global technology, the interplay between executives, regulators, and billionaires shapes not only infrastructure but the future of democracy itself.

Understanding these dynamics requires critical thinking, attention to evidence, and careful distinction between fact and assumption. The story of Bolsonaro, Trump, and Starlink offers a vivid case study of power, influence, and responsibility in the 21st century.

In other words, the story reminds us that we live in a world where powerful individuals and leaders can influence our lives, often expecting compliance. We need to stay aware, think critically, and understand the systems around us — even when we cannot change everything immediately. Awareness and reflection are our tools for navigating a world shaped by strong personalities and global power.

Take care!

Prof. Carl Boniface

Exercise:

1. Vocabulary

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Executive	A person or branch of government with the power to enforce laws	The executive branch can make decisions that affect the whole country.
Regulator	An agency or official that controls rules and standards	Anatel is the regulator for telecommunications in Brazil.
Approval	Official permission to do something	Starlink received approval to operate in Brazil.
Influence	The ability to affect decisions or behavior	Political leaders can influence independent agencies.
Sovereignty	The authority of a country to govern itself	Digital sovereignty is important in controlling national networks.
Infrastructure	Basic systems needed for a society or organization to function	Internet satellites are part of global communications infrastructure.
Expedited	Made faster or given priority	The Ministry of Communications expedited Starlink’s approval process.
Harmless	Not dangerous or threatening	The satellites are bright in the sky but completely harmless.

2. Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences

Complete the sentences using words from the vocabulary table above. Use underline spaces to fill in the missing words.

1. The Brazilian government’s __________ branch can affect the approval of foreign companies.

2. Anatel is the main __________ for telecommunications in Brazil.

3. Starlink received __________ to provide satellite internet service in Brazil.

4. Political leaders may try to __________ independent agencies to speed up decisions.

5. Countries need __________ to control digital networks within their borders.

6. Satellites and cables are part of modern communication __________.

7. The government __________ the approval process so Starlink could operate sooner.

8. The bright Starlink satellites in the sky are __________ and do not cause harm.

3. Comprehension Questions

Answer the following in full sentences:

1. What are Starlink satellites, and why were they visible in Brazil?

2. Why does Starlink need approval from Anatel to operate?

3. How did the Bolsonaro administration influence the Starlink approval process?

4. What does the article suggest about the relationship between technology companies and governments?

5. What are the three key themes discussed in the article?

4. Discussion Questions

Use these questions to reflect, debate, or write short answers:

1. Why is it important for countries to control digital infrastructure like internet satellites?

2. Can private companies have too much influence over governments? Give examples.

3. How might citizens be affected when political leaders influence independent agencies?

4. In your country, are there examples where technology and politics intersect?

5. How do you think the world will change as more global corporations provide essential services?