Abdelrahman
Senator Blumenthal Seeks Clarity on State Department’s Armored Tesla Purchase
Senator Richard Blumenthal, the leading member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, reached out to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, urging him to provide information and documentation regarding the State Department’s proposed acquisition of armored Tesla Cybertrucks valued at $400 million.
In his correspondence, which CBS News has acquired, the Connecticut Democrat emphasized the potential conflicts of interest stemming from Elon Musk’s multiple roles. He pointed out, “Mr. Musk’s involvement creates conflicts of interest that are so evident they hardly need explaining. The State Department’s plan to procure armored Cybertrucks raises concerns that the inherent conflicts linked to Mr. Musk’s placement of associates in government positions are not being sufficiently addressed and may actually be escalating.”
Since the Cybertruck’s launch 15 months ago, it has faced considerable criticism and has been the subject of at least six recalls. Reports indicate that Tesla is experiencing disappointing sales figures for the Cybertruck, casting doubt on whether it is the type of dependable vehicle the State Department would select for such a significant contract without external influence.
Blumenthal has requested a reply by February 21. Recently, he initiated a preliminary investigation into Musk and his enterprises.
As the world’s richest individual, Musk also leads SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter) and is known for his substantial government contracts. Additionally, he significantly contributed to former President Trump’s campaign.
Musk heads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which, while not a formal government entity, is actively seeking ways to reduce the federal budget. His team has reportedly accessed various government computer systems to identify what he terms waste, fraud, and abuse, leading to multiple lawsuits challenging his authority in this area.
In October, GM Defense successfully delivered its first Suburban Shield, a specialized armored vehicle for the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). This initiative aims to provide armored SUVs to DSS and over a dozen other federal agencies. GM secured the 10-year contract worth up to $300 million in November 2023.
This situation continues to develop, raising questions about government procurement processes and accountability, particularly involving high-profile figures like Musk.
