Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz discusses the criticism California leaders are facing over their handling of the wildfires raging through Los Angeles County on ‘The Bottom Line.’
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk plans to use Tesla Cybertrucks and Starlink technology to provide free internet to devastated areas fires in California.
Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla and Starlink, wrote in a post on X, another of his companies, that deliveries of the Cybertruck will be delayed over the next few days.
“Apologies to those expecting delivery of the Cybertruck in California over the next few days,” he wrote. “We need to use these trucks as mobile base stations to power Starlink internet terminals in unconnected areas of LA. The new truck will be delivered at the end of the week.”
In another post, Musk said Cybertrucks equipped with Starlink and free internet will be deployed in a grid pattern in areas most in need of the technology, across Los Angeles and Malibu.
ELON MUSK ANNOUNCES SPACEX WILL DELIVER FREE STARLINK TERMINALS Amid Raging Fire
Musk also said security personnel will be added to the Cybertrucks, along with snacks and drinks for people passing by.
The move comes three days after Musk announced that he would provide free Starlink terminals to areas in Los Angeles.
He made the announcement when he retweeted a video of a journalist credited with connecting the Starlink internet service.
FIRES IN CALIFORNIA ravaged LOS ANGELES COUNTY, KILLED 5 PEOPLE AND THREATENED THOUSANDS OF HOMES
Houses burn as strong winds fuel the Eaton Fire on January 7, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (David McNew/Getty Images/Getty Images)
The reporter said that Starlink is “the only reason we can hear and communicate with you right now, because there is absolutely no cell service in this entire area.”
On Sunday morning, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman wrote in a post on X that fire extinguishing before they expanded it didn’t seem like a “serious technological challenge” that could be overcome with the help of companies like SpaceX, xAI and Anduril Industries, a defense company specializing in autonomous systems, drones and anti-drone systems started by Palmer Luckey .
“So [Elon Musk] and [Palmer Luckey]why not start a company that uses satellites, artificial intelligence and drone technology to put out fires before they spread?” Ackman asked in the post. “One can imagine satellite tracking, rapid drone investigation and drone water delivery. The number of drones sent to fight the fire and the nature of the extinguishing agent (water, foam, dry or wet chemicals, etc.) would be a function of the nature and extent of the fire. Human lives would not be invested [at] risk and there is no risk of involving DEI in the selection of drones. what do you think I would like to invest. And it would be very good for real estate values in California.”
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Despite Musk’s efforts to help, one X user wrote to him, “California hates you and Trump,” which the SpaceX CEO admitted was true.
“It’s true for some people in California and the press will of course accuse me of being famous, but if this helps save even one house or maybe even someone’s life, we should still do it,” Musk replied.
CALIFORNIA FIRES RAGE THROUGH LOS ANGELES COUNTY, FORCING THOUSANDS TO EVACUATE THEIR HOMES
But another user asked how he could donate his Cybertruck to help the effort.
“Drive your truck around devastated areas with a Starlink terminal on the roof and open WiFi,” Musk said.
Musk argued that wildfires in the Golden State could have been prevented, but that regulations are getting in the way of taking steps to prevent the inferno.
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“These fires are easily avoidable, but California’s senseless regulations prevent action, so year after year houses burn and more people die,” Musk wrote in a post on X.
FOX Business’ Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.
