Elon Musk is sparking outrage over a possible $1.6 billion Starlink deal in Italy after forging a cozy rapport with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Elon Musk’s Starlink is in talks for a $1.6 billion deal with Italy’s government, sparking controversy. Opposition leaders raise national security concerns and demand Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni change course.

Elon Musk has asked to meet Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella, amid growing doubts in Rome about a potential $1.5bn deal with Starlink, the multi-billionaire’s internet satellite provider. Musk wrote on X late on Saturday that it “would be an honour to speak with President Matterella”,

Italian politicians are split on choosing Starlink or Eutelsat for satellite communications. Elon Musk is at the core of the divide.

The Italian government is having growing doubts about closing a €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink in light of the US pullback from commitments to European security, people familiar with the matter said.

Italy’s opposition parties are raising concerns over a reported Starlink deal, questioning Elon Musk’s reliability following his remarks on Ukraine’s military dependence on the satellite network.

Elon Musk has requested a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella as uncertainty grows over a potential $1.5 billion deal between Italy and Starlink for secure military communications.