Sen. Richard Blumenthal demanding answers about possible $400 million State Department purchase of Tesla Cybertrucks [View all]
Source: CBS News
Updated on: February 14, 2025 / 7:10 PM EST
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the ranking member on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio Thursday night demanding answers and documents relating to the State Department's possible purchase of $400 million worth of armored Tesla Cybertrucks from the company run by Elon Musk.
"Mr. Musk's dual roles pose conflicts of interest so obvious that they hardly require explanation," the Connecticut Democrat wrote in the letter obtained by CBS News. "The State Department's intent to purchase armored Cybertrucks suggests the conflicts of interest inherent in Mr. Musk's installation of his cronies throughout the government are not being adequately managed and, in fact, are increasing by the minute.
"In the 15 months since it was released, the Cybertruck has been widely derided and subject to at least six separate recalls. Indeed, Tesla has reportedly had "disastrous" sales numbers for the Cybertruck. It hardly seems like the type of reliable vehicle the State Department would choose for this contract absent a heavy thumb on the scale."
Blumenthal asked for a response by Feb 21. Last week, he opened a preliminary inquiry into Musk and his companies.
Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/richard-blumenthal-state-department-tesla-cybertrucks/
Link to Sen. Blumenthal PRESS RELEASE - Blumenthal Demands Answers From State Department on Cybertruck Spending Spree
Link to Sen. Blumenthal LETTER (PDF) - https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025-02-13-Letter-from-Blumenthal-to-Secretary-Rubio.pdf
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