The US State Department’s budget proposal for 2025 features a curious item titled “Armored Teslas,” valued at $400 million.

But there’s no need to be alarmed; this line item received approval from the Biden Administration, so it’s safe to assume Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will handle any excesses, right?

Elon Musk and his team at DOGE are currently scrutinizing substantial government expenditures.

It remains uncertain whether Musk has looked into the US State Department’s procurement forecast, where numerous peculiar entries may raise some eyebrows among auditors.

The most intriguing entry is the “Armored Tesla (Production Units)” for $400 million. Oddly, this item is categorized under NAICS code “311999 – All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing.”

The program aims to deliver units in the fourth quarter over the next five years.

In addition, there are several similarly odd budgeted items incorrectly categorized:

Examples include “ARMORED SEDAN” listed under “Soft Drink Manufacturing,” “ARMORED BMW X5/X7” categorized as “Bottled Water Manufacturing,” and “ARMOR D EV (NOT SEDAN)” filed under “Ice Manufacturing.”

Despite these peculiar classifications, the other armored vehicle-related items have significantly smaller budgets, allocated at $50 million, $40 million, and $40 million, respectively, compared to the hefty $400 million designated for Teslas.

It’s worth noting that the State Department procurement forecast was most recently updated in December, prior to the beginning of the Trump administration.

Electrek has reached out to the State Department for clarification, and we will provide updates if we receive any information.

Tesla asserts that the Cybertruck is “armored” and “bulletproof,” though its defensive capabilities may be limited, likely only capable of deflecting low-velocity projectiles if they strike the doors.

Other firms are looking to enhance the Cybertruck’s armor, such as the collaboration between Unplugged Performance and Archimedes Defense – depicted above.

Electrek’s Insight

While I support the idea of armored electric vehicles, the necessity behind such a significant allocation raises questions. What prompts the State Department to request $530 million for armored vehicles? And why are they classified under unrelated categories?

This certainly feels like a matter for DOGE; however, it might be wise for Elon to refrain from direct involvement in this situation.