Elon Musk and Giorgia Meloni’s power friendship stirs controversy in Italy

The relationship between Musk and the Italian prime minister could be a harbinger for Americans, as Musk assumes a role in the Trump administration.
He shares her love of “Lord of the Rings” and called her “even more beautiful on the inside” than she is on the outside. She calls him a “genius” falsely portrayed as “a monster.” Now tech billionaire Elon Musk and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are demonstrating the extent to which a power friendship can roil a nation.

Questions about Musk’s influence have dominated the political conversation in Italy for days. One editorial cartoon depicted him as a gladiator demanding a lease on the Colosseum.

A particular point of contention has involved news that the Italian government is in advanced negotiations with Musk’s SpaceX about servicing the “encrypted data communication needs” of the military, embassies and other security services. Meloni denied that the talks have anything to do with her relationship with Musk — or her visit to Mar-a-Lago to see President-elect Donald Trump last weekend. But that didn’t quiet the critics.

“If 1.5 billion of Italian money to bring the American billionaire’s satellites to our country is the price we have to pay for his friendship, it is too much,” said Elly Schlein, leader of the opposition Democratic Party. “Italy does not sell out.”