Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy is in preliminary talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide secure communications for the government.

Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni said her government is in talks with private companies, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX, over the country’s telecoms security system, but denied having discussed the issue privately with Musk.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Elon Musk's growing involvement in politics on Thursday and said she had never discussed with him a potential deal to supply secure communications to Italy.

Italian opposition leaders roundly criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government for engaging in talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX on a €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) deal for encrypted communications systems.

Italy’s prime minister accused of currying favour with world’s richest man at expense of European satellite initiative

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Jan. 9 that she has not talked personally with Elon Musk about a deal with SpaceX.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Elon Musk’s political involvement, dismissing interference concerns. Meloni denied discussing any secure communication deals with Musk, highlighting foreign investments decided on national interest.

Elon Musk said on Monday he was ready to provide Italy with secure communication services after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied that the issue had come up during a weekend visit to the United States.