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.

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.

Italian opposition parties on Monday stepped up criticism of a proposed deal between Rome and satellite internet provider Starlink after its founder Elon Musk suggested he could cut Ukraine's access to the 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.