By Angelo Amante

ROME (Reuters) – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Elon Musk’s growing involvement in politics on Thursday and stated that she had never discussed a potential deal with him to supply secure communications to Italy.

The right-wing leader dismissed concerns about political interference as the U.S. tech billionaire, an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, increases his comments on European politics via his social media platform X.

Meloni maintains a positive relationship with Musk, which is under scrutiny in Italy as the government considers a possible contract involving Starlink, part of Musk’s SpaceX business.

> “I evaluate foreign investments through a single lens, which is the lens of national interest, not friendships or political ideas of those who may invest,” Meloni stated.

She also mentioned, “I have never personally spoken with Elon Musk about these matters,” during a 2.5-hour press conference where Musk’s name was frequently mentioned.

SpaceX is discussing a five-year deal worth a total of 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion), according to sources. Opposition parties have criticized the project, questioning whether sensitive communications should be managed by a company linked to Musk.

> “We are simply in the investigative phase, which is why I don’t understand all the accusations that have been made. Is the issue with SpaceX that it’s a private company, or is it Elon Musk’s political ideas?” Meloni further added.

NO DANGER TO DEMOCRACY

Italy is considering using Musk’s space-based telecommunications system to ensure secure communications between government officials, diplomats, and defense agents in sensitive Mediterranean regions.

Meloni expressed that Italy faces a dilemma in securing sensitive communications, as there are currently no Italian or EU-backed alternatives to Starlink, with the full deployment of the EU’s IRIS2 satellite constellation expected by the end of 2030.

> “Either we talk to a private company or we do not protect this data. What is the preferable scenario between two sub-optimal scenarios?” Meloni remarked.

Musk has influenced political discussions with criticisms towards British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and endorsement of the far-right AfD party ahead of Germany’s elections next month. However, Meloni defended Musk’s right to express his opinions.

> “I do not see this danger to democracy. Elon Musk is a well-known and wealthy individual who expresses his ideas,” she asserted.