ROME — Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni said Thursday that her government is in talks with several private companies, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX, over the country’s telecoms security system, but denied having discussed the issue privately with Musk.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Elon Musk's growing involvement in politics on Thursday and said she had never discussed with him a potential deal to supply secure communications to Italy.

If the deal is sealed, SpaceX would provide encryption services for the Italian govt and communications infrastructure for the military and emergency services.

Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni stated that the government is in talks with SpaceX for telecoms security but denied any private discussions with Elon Musk. Meloni emphasized that contracts are evaluated based on national interest.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy is in preliminary talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide secure communications for the government.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied Thursday talking to Elon Musk about a cybersecurity deal with the American billionaire's SpaceX company following reports that sparked controversy in Italy.