The US Department of State has made a sudden change to its procurement plan, replacing an order for $400 million worth of armored Teslas with a more ambiguous listing for "armored Electric Vehicles". The alteration was made shortly after reports of the original plan emerged in The New York Times and Drop Site News.

The document, published in December, had specified "Armored Tesla (Production Units)" but now lists "Armored Electric Vehicles" instead. The change has raised eyebrows, particularly given Elon Musk's recent efforts to cut government waste through his Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has been vocal about reducing unnecessary spending, but his company, Tesla, stood to benefit from the original order.

It is unclear which Tesla model was intended for purchase, but speculation suggests it may have been the Cybertruck, known for its stainless steel, "bullet-proof" body and Gorilla glass windows. The list also includes $40 million for armored BMW X5 and X7 vehicles, as well as unspecified mentions of "armored sedan" and "armored EV (not sedan)".

Elon Musk has denied any knowledge of the original plan, stating on X, "I'm pretty sure Tesla isn't getting $400M. No one mentioned it to me, at least." The sudden change to the procurement plan has sparked questions about the transparency and accountability of the process.

The development comes as Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has been making headlines for its efforts to streamline government operations and reduce waste. The department has shut down federal agencies, accessed sensitive payment systems, and offered "deferred resignation" agreements to thousands of government employees. However, the latest development raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of private companies on government procurement decisions.

The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight in government contracting, particularly when it involves large sums of money and influential private companies. As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Department of State will respond to questions about the procurement process and the role of Elon Musk's Tesla in the original plan.