Last week, Elon Musks Starlink internet service was installed at the White House.
The Trump administrations endorsements of Musks companies are attracting growing scrutiny.
Critics argue that theyrebreaking lawsandthreatening democracy.
For the worlds richest man, the relationship is also causing business problems.
One involves Italys plans for Starlink.
The country has halted talks for a proposed1.5bn contractwith the service, defence ministerGuido Crosettosaid in aninterviewSaturday.
Lawmakers are divided between choosing Starlink or a rival provider, such as French firmEutelsat.
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Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis governmenthas considered using Starlink for a while now.
Musk refuted those claims.
Nonetheless,his controlover Ukraines connectivity has caused growing alarm.
It formspart of a broader discussion in Italy and Europe about reducing reliance on non-European tech for critical infrastructure.
European sales of Teslas plummeted 58% in the first two months of this year.
Tesla stock has fallen 40% since January.
But people arent just voting with their wallets there have also been widespread protests against the EV brand.
Teslas dealerships have beenvandalised.
Cars have been burnt and charging stations petrol-bombed.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
