The armored Tesla controversy makes the $400 million contract a contentious deal. The Trump government intends to spend $400 million on armored Teslas, per a State Department procurement document for fiscal year 2025.
The Cybertruck’s military design and impenetrable stainless steel coating make it a viable contender for government usage, even if the report does not specifically name the Tesla models.
The Effect of Musk on Government and Procurement
Elon Musk, the former CEO of Tesla, is now in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DGE), a division tasked with cutting waste and eliminating corruption in government contracts.
When the $400 million Tesla became public, the State Department secretly amended the paperwork to remove the word “Tesla” and replace it with “armored electric vehicles.”
Political and Public Reactions
Ethics experts have questioned the arrangement since Musk himself gave more than $250 million to Trump’s reelection campaign.
Musk reacted on X when Rachel Maddow of MSNBC questioned the contract:
“Hey @Maddow, why the lie?”
Along with lesser agreements for BMW and other manufacturers, Tesla continues to lead the race for the contract for armored electric vehicles despite the controversy..
What’s next after armored teslas?
Cybertrucks in federal fleets? A new Cybertruck starts at $82,000, and last year, 38,000 units were sold despite quality concerns over rust, accelerator pedals, and finger-pinching doors.
Ethical concerns grow. Critics question Musk’s expanding influence in government spending.
Ongoing scrutiny. With billions in federal contracts, Musk’s government role continues to raise ethical red flags.
Source: NPR
