The State Department procurement document initially hinted at a significant contract worth $400 million with Tesla to purchase armored electric vehicles for diplomat transport. This move, tied to a high-profile Trump ally, raised eyebrows given the abrupt shift in plans under the Biden administration. While the State Department clarified that talks with Tesla commenced during Biden’s term, a former White House official believes the $400 million proposal was intentional. The document’s revisions and subsequent disappearance further fueled speculation.

The potential purchase sparked concerns about Musk’s influence in government affairs and the feasibility of replacing the State Department’s fleet with Teslas, particularly the Cybertruck. Security experts questioned the practicality of using Cybertrucks for diplomatic missions due to weight, range, and safety issues. Despite the aggressive procurement timeline set by the Trump administration, doubts persisted about the suitability of Cybertrucks in high-risk environments like Karachi and Mogadishu.

The narrative unfolds against Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives and federal agency shake-ups, prompting ethics concerns. As the controversy around the proposed Tesla contract deepens, questions linger about the rationale behind the $400 million figure and the potential implications of such a significant procurement for the State Department.