Janice R. Andrews
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied on Thursday that she had personally discussed a cybersecurity deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, following media reports that sparked political controversy in Italy.
“I have never spoken personally with Musk about these matters,” Meloni stated during her annual press conference in Rome.
The controversy began after Italian media reported that the government was in advanced talks with SpaceX for a 1.5-billion-euro ($1.6 billion) contract to provide secure telecommunications. The speculation intensified after Meloni’s recent visit to former U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida.
Musk, in a post on his X network on Monday, expressed readiness to offer Italy “the most advanced and secure connections.” Meloni later confirmed that SpaceX had presented the government with technology for secure communications, which she emphasized would be crucial for diplomatic missions and military operations abroad.
The reports drew criticism from opposition parties, with Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein calling for transparency. Schlein accused the government of prioritizing Musk’s business interests, stating, “If 1.5 billion euros of Italian money to use the satellites of an American billionaire is the price to pay for his friendship, we do not agree.”
In response, Meloni’s office categorically denied the claims, asserting that no discussions regarding a SpaceX contract occurred during her meeting with Trump. The government further clarified that no agreements or contracts had been finalized with SpaceX and described the talks as part of routine evaluations of secure communications technologies.
Despite the controversy, Meloni described Musk as “a genius” and “an extraordinary innovator” in an interview published Friday, highlighting her admiration for his forward-thinking approach. She stressed, however, that the discussions were preliminary and aligned with standard government procedures.
The incident underscores the delicate balance between innovation and national sovereignty as Italy explores advanced cybersecurity solutions.
