State Dept. to Acquire $400 Million in Armored Tesla Cybertrucks

Tesla Set to Supply Armored Cybertrucks to the State Department

Tesla, the electric car manufacturer led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, is poised to secure a significant contract with the State Department to provide armored versions of its highly anticipated Cybertruck pickup. This potential deal, which is detailed in government procurement documents, indicates that the State Department plans to allocate $400 million for armored vehicles in its 2025 procurement forecast. Although the documents do not specify the model, the Cybertruck, known for its robust high-strength stainless steel construction, is believed to be the leading candidate for this contract.

Elon Musk, who has been involved in advising former President Donald Trump on strategies for reducing government spending, has raised eyebrows regarding this imminent deal. Musk, who contributed over $250 million during Trump’s presidential campaign, serves as the head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, a significant initiative aimed at cost-cutting across federal agencies. This association casts a shadow over the proposed Cybertruck contract, as it brings to light potential conflicts of interest, particularly in the context of Musk’s public criticisms of perceived governmental overspending.

On his social media platform, X, Musk has been vocal about his views on wasteful expenditures within the federal government. Recently, he highlighted what he described as exorbitantly priced coffee cups and soap dispensers at the Pentagon. Despite his vocal stance against waste, the decision to procure Cybertrucks for official use may appear contradictory, especially considering the vehicle’s unconventional nature as an armored transport option.

Tesla, along with its other ventures, has established itself as a major player in government contracting, accumulating approximately $13 billion in federal contracts over the last five years. SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company, has secured a significant portion of that financial pipeline. The State Department’s procurement notice, released in December of last year, was established after Trump won the election but prior to his inauguration, and recent reports by Drop Site News suggest that discussions around purchasing Cybertrucks have gained momentum.

Despite the fervor surrounding the Cybertruck, its market performance has been relatively modest since its launch in late 2023. According to estimates by Cox Automotive, Tesla sold around 39,000 units in its initial year, but the vehicle’s starting price of $80,000 renders it unaffordable for many potential buyers. While Musk has humorously remarked that the Cybertruck’s “apocalypse-ready” design is suitable for combat scenarios, Tesla has faced several recalls due to technical issues, including problems with the windshield wipers.

Importantly, should the contract be finalized, Tesla would not retain the entirety of the $400 million budget. A portion of the funds is expected to be allocated to specialized firms tasked with upgrading the vehicles. One such company, Armormax, based in Ogden, Utah, is noted for converting standard vehicles into armored transport. Justin Johnson, the operations manager at Armormax, confirmed that there has been significant interest in their services from the Trump administration, although he refrained from providing additional comments.

Armormax specializes in fitting vehicles with protective features, including bulletproof glass, fortified compartments, and enhancement kits designed to increase safety and survivability. Johnson noted that the Cybertruck will adapt well to armored modifications, allowing for configurations that make it a formidable option for government use. The company’s product offerings include “run-flat” tires capable of functioning even when punctured, along with systems that deploy road tacks to deter pursuers.

Furthermore, the State Department is also contemplating contracts with alternative suppliers for a smaller selection of armored vehicles. The procurement forecast reveals plans to spend around $40 million on armored BMW SUVs, diversifying the options available for government transport.

As discussions continue regarding the potential for the Cybertruck to serve as a government vehicle, the intersection of business interests and public service raises pertinent ethical questions. The implications of Musk’s connections with the Trump administration and his outspoken critique of government inefficiency beckon scrutiny as federal agencies explore innovative approaches to armored transportation. The outcome of this proposed contract could set a significant precedent, not only for Tesla but also for the broader conversation about privatization and contracting practices within the federal government.