Elon Musks allegiance to Trump is once again stirring up controversy this time over Starlink. The satellite internet provider, owned by Musks firm SpaceX, has become embroiled in a hot debate among Italian politicians, as Rome weighs its strategic alliances amid mounting tensions between Europe and the US.Italys right-wing League party is pushing Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis government to choose Starlink to provide satellite communications for government officials, citing the superiority of its technology over French rival Eutelsat. Starlink has around 6,700 active satellites in orbit, while Eutelsat has just over 600.In the Italian interest it would be odd to choose a French entity instead of a more technologically developed and avant-garde system like the American one, the League said in a statement late on Thursday, Reuters reported.Musk welcomed the remarks. He replied much appreciated, to a post on X that referred to the statement.Women In TechMeloni has considered using Starlink to provide encrypted satellite communications for officials in high-risk areas for a while now. However, opposition parties have warned against relying on Musks firm a concern heightened by reports that the US may cut Ukraine off from Starlink if a minerals deal is not reached, potentially severing a critical tool in Kyivs fight against Russia.There are signs that Meloni might be cooling on Musks firm too. Bloomberg reported yesterday that the Italian government was having growing doubts about closing the Starlink contract, valued at 1.5bn, in light of escalating transatlantic tensions.If Italy were to drop the proposed deal, an alternative provider thats attracting interest in Eutelsat. The firms CEO Eva Berneke said Tuesday that the company was in talks with the EU about extending its internet service to Ukraine, sending its shares soaring 119%. In an interview on Thursday, Berneke said the company was also in discussions with Italy. However, Melonis office told Reuters that it had not yet entered any formal negotiations with Eutelsat or other operators.The debate is part of a broader discussion in Italy and Europe about reducing reliance on non-European tech for critical infrastructure.Starlink isnt the only Musk venture thats recently come under scrutiny. The fortunes of his car company, Tesla, have also been linked to his political manoeuvres. New registrations of Tesla vehicles plummeted across Europe last month, a trend which analysts have linked to Musks role in the Trump administration and his open support of far-right politicians. However, Tesla registrations were up slightly in the UK and the US in February, so theres one win for Elon. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with