State Department's Armored Tesla Plans Under Scrutiny

The article covers:

• The controversial spending plans involving Tesla.
• Details on the actual funds allocated for electric vehicles.
• Concerns about conflict of interest regarding Elon Musk.
• Expert opinions on vehicle viability for government use.

Overview of the Situation

Recently released documents from the U.S. State Department revealed plans to spend $400 million on "Armored Tesla" vehicles. This drew significant criticism as it highlighted a potential conflict of interest involving Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who also serves as an advisor to the White House.

State Department's Response

In response to the backlash, department staff quickly amended the language to "armored electric vehicles" and stated the contract is currently "on hold" with no immediate plans for it. The original document indicates that the spending proposal predated the Biden administration, suggesting it was initiated to gauge private sector interest in armored electric vehicles.

New Developments

New reporting by NPR revealed that the State Department intends to spend only $483,000 in 2025 on electric vehicles, a stark contrast to the previously reported $400 million. This amount will cover basic electric vehicle purchases and include an additional $3 million for charging stations.

Questions Raised

The new information raises significant questions:

• Was there an attempt to conceal Musk's conflict of interest?
• Did a department employee make an error in reporting?
• Who initiated the plan to use Tesla vehicles?

Expert Opinions

Despite Musk's portrayal of the Cybertruck as a futuristic armored vehicle, experts believe it is unsuitable for government use. Armoring Cybertrucks could greatly increase their weight and reduce range, jeopardizing the safety of government officials who rely on quick and reliable transportation.

Conclusion

In light of potential taxpayer implications and safety concerns, the decision regarding armored vehicles requires careful consideration. The State Department has confirmed that they will not pursue the solicitation of this contract.