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.

Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein on Sunday reiterated her criticism of the hypothesis Premier Giorgia Meloni's administration could reach an agreement with Elon Musk's SpaceX to use their Starlink satellites for secure Italian government telecoms after the world richest man talked about denying Ukraine access to it.

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

Italian opposition parties stepped up criticism Monday of a proposed deal between the government and SpaceX's Starlink following founder Elon Musk's suggestion he could cut Ukraine from 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.