Starlink’s launch in Italy has hit a roadblock due to the backlash Elon Musk is facing for his political activities. Italy’s Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, revealed to La Repubblica that all discussions regarding a potential deal to use Starlink have been halted. This decision comes after Italy’s opposition parties demanded the government cease communication with Musk following his controversial comments about Starlink services in Ukraine.
The controversy began when Elon Musk suggested that Ukraine’s defense capabilities would be compromised if Starlink services were disrupted. This statement led to accusations from Poland’s Foreign Minister, who claimed that Musk was threatening to cut off Ukraine’s access to terminals. Musk quickly clarified on X that Starlink would never use its services as a bargaining chip, regardless of political disagreements.
In January 2025, SpaceX was in talks with the Italian government for a $1.6 billion, 5-year Starlink contract. Sources revealed that Italy’s Intelligence Services and Defense Ministry had approved the deal, indicating a potential agreement for SpaceX’s Starshield services. These services are tailored for government use, focusing on Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.
However, the recent controversies surrounding Elon Musk have put the Starlink deal on hold. Italy’s Defense Minister cited statements made by and about Musk as the reason for pausing discussions. The ongoing backlash against Musk, both in the United States and abroad, has raised concerns about the safety and utility of proceeding with the Starlink agreement.
Italy’s Defense Minister emphasized the need for a calm resolution to the controversies before resuming talks with SpaceX. He may be referring to the recent incidents of vandalism targeting Tesla properties, which have been linked to public anger towards Musk. Vandalism cases involving Tesla stores, vehicles, and Supercharger stalls have been reported in the US and parts of Europe, further fueling the negative sentiment towards Musk.
As the situation unfolds, the launch of Starlink in Italy remains on hold until the tensions surrounding Elon Musk subside. It is clear that Musk’s political activities have had a significant impact on SpaceX’s operations and partnerships worldwide. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the Starlink deal highlights the complex intersection of technology, politics, and public perception in the modern era.