Handing control of Italy's military satellite communications to the U.S. tech tycoon has prompted sharp criticism in Italy from opposition politicians.

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.

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 said on Jan. 9 that she has not talked personally with Elon Musk about a deal with SpaceX.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clarified that she has not discussed using Elon Musk's Starlink for military communication projects worth 1.5 billion euros. She emphasized Italy's national interests as pivotal in such decisions amidst opposition concerns about involvement with SpaceX.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday defended Elon Musk's increasing political involvement, while also stating that she had

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied Thursday talking to Elon Musk about a cybersecurity deal with the American billionaire's SpaceX company following reports that sparked controversy in Italy.

Italy would have full control of its data under any potential deal struck with Elon Musk's Starlink for secure satellite communications, an Italian representative for the billionaire's aerospace businesses said.