One of the largest conflicts of interest involving the U.S. government and Elon Musk falls through at the last second.
400 million dollars
The U.S. State Department had announced it was about to award a contract of 400 million dollars for the purchase of armored Tesla vehicles, likely Cybertrucks, according to several sources.
Controversial Efforts
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, owner of Tesla, is leading controversial efforts to reduce government spending with the backing of Donald Trump.
The waste
Musk defends his involvement in the government by denouncing the waste of public funds, including aid programs.
His Companies
However, he benefits from many lucrative federal contracts through his companies, notably Tesla and SpaceX, which have significantly contributed to his rise in power.
Federal Contracts
Musk, who advocates for reducing public spending, does not seem eager to touch the federal contracts benefiting his companies.
Less of a priority?
Many believe that these expenses are less of a priority than aid programs for the population, such as Medicaid, which Musk wants to cut.
Initial Information
According to the initial information from the State Department’s purchase forecast document, the contract explicitly mentioned Tesla before being modified after the revelation of Drop Site News.
«Pretty sure»
Elon Musk reacted on X by stating that he is «pretty sure» that Tesla will not receive 400 million dollars and that «no one» has mentioned anything to him.
Armored and bullet-resistant
Elon Musk also claims that the Cybertrucks are armored and bullet-resistant, which would justify their use by the government.
The 2019 Fiasco
However, during their presentation in 2019, a durability test turned into a fiasco when the vehicle’s window shattered upon being hit by a projectile thrown by Tesla’s chief designer.
Tesla and the State Department
Tesla and the State Department have not yet officially responded to the criticisms surrounding this transaction… which may ultimately not take place.