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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhat happened to "America First"? Patel buys himself a BMW with your taxpayer dollars.
https://www.ms.now/news/kash-patels-new-ride-of-choice-an-armored-luxury-bmwPatel is the first director to have use of this specialized foreign-branded vehicle, law enforcement personnel told MS NOW. The government has a contract with General Motors to provide a fleet of Suburbans, a type of large sport utility vehicle, which can be upgraded as needed to include security features such as armor plating, run-flat tires and ballistic glass. Patels security detail still occasionally transports him in a Suburban, often during workday hours, the sources said. They said Patel has argued that he needs to move around in a more covert manner, which the BMW would allow.
A person close to Patel, speaking on condition of anonymity to provide details, said that it would have cost the government $480,000 to purchase a new armored Suburban, part of an upgrade Patel was considering, and that was more than twice the cost of the BMW. The person did not explain why a new vehicle was needed.
Asked about the alleged cost savings, a Democratic congressional aide said, They dont go out and buy one new vehicle for a fleet refresh; they contract with General Motors for 20 of them at a discount.
FBI spokesman Williamson disputed this but did not provide specifics.
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What happened to "America First"? Patel buys himself a BMW with your taxpayer dollars. (Original Post)
Takket
Dec 22
OP
dalton99a
(92,127 posts)1. What the director needs is a stretch limo with a Jacuzzi
dickthegrouch
(4,298 posts)2. I'd prefer the mark to be "Hearse"
That's the only stretch limo they should get.
Intractable
(1,646 posts)3. I think it's wonderful that he is acquiring this for the next FBI director.
Because of bad publicity like this, he will be removed soon by Trump.
MichMan
(16,632 posts)4. The BMW X5 is manufactured in South Carolina
MichMan
(16,632 posts)5. According to the link, they do already have a contract with BMW to supply these vehicles.
Asked about the alleged cost savings, a Democratic congressional aide said, They dont go out and buy one new vehicle for a fleet refresh; they contract with General Motors for 20 of them at a discount.
The government has a contract with BMW for the armored luxury SUVs; specifically, the State Department uses them to protect diplomats and other officials in high-risk environments around the world.