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Trump’s USDOT Nominee Confirms Continuation of Tesla Safety Investigations

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President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Sean Duffy, confirmed that ongoing investigations into Tesla’s advanced driver assistance system will continue under his leadership. During a U.S. Senate hearing, Duffy expressed his commitment to allowing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to complete its probe into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which is under investigation after four collisions, including a fatal crash in 2023.

The investigation involves 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the FSD software, and Duffy assured lawmakers that the probe would proceed without interference. Senator Ed Markey pressed Duffy to ensure that NHTSA would operate independently, regardless of political pressures, to which Duffy responded, “I will let NHTSA do their investigation.”

Tesla, which did not respond immediately to requests for comment, has faced increased scrutiny over its driver-assistance systems as the company transitions toward self-driving technology. In addition to the FSD investigation, NHTSA recently launched a separate inquiry into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles concerning a feature called Actually Smart Summon. This system, which allows users to remotely move their cars, has been linked to crashes due to failure to detect obstacles or parked vehicles, prompting further concern over Tesla’s safety protocols.

In December 2023, Tesla recalled over 2 million U.S. vehicles to address safety issues related to the Autopilot system. NHTSA is still investigating whether the recall measures sufficiently mitigate the risk of driver inattention.

Duffy also mentioned that he would review the Federal Aviation Administration’s proposed fine of $633,000 against Musk’s SpaceX for violations of launch license regulations.

 

Alphabet CEO and Other Tech Leaders to Attend Trump Inauguration

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Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, will join a group of prominent tech executives at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, according to sources familiar with the event. Pichai’s attendance places him among several high-profile industry leaders planning to witness the ceremony.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is also confirmed to be attending the event, as reported by Bloomberg News earlier on Wednesday. Additionally, tech titans Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are expected to participate in the inauguration, with sources indicating that their attendance is part of the planning for the ceremony.

Apple has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the attendance of its CEO at the inauguration.

 

Tesla Cybertruck Burst into Flames Outside Trump Las Vegas Hotel, Driver Killed

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A shocking incident unfolded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday when a Tesla Cybertruck erupted in flames, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to seven others. The explosion caught the attention of both locals and visitors, as videos from witnesses showed the vehicle engulfed in flames while it remained stationed outside the hotel. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast, with the FBI looking into the possibility of terrorism as a factor.

The Trump International Hotel, which is part of the Trump Organization, is closely associated with President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to return to the White House on January 20. The timing of the explosion has raised questions, especially considering Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s strong support for Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign, as well as his advisory role to the incoming administration. As the investigation continues, many are speculating about any potential connection between the explosion and the political figures involved.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill addressed the media, acknowledging the unusual nature of the incident. “Obviously a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel—there’s lots of questions that we have to answer,” he stated during a press briefing. The sheriff’s comments underscored the complexity of the situation, with officials keen on uncovering the motive behind the explosion.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Schwartz confirmed that authorities have not yet determined whether the incident was an act of terrorism. However, the timing of the explosion raised concerns in the wake of other recent violent events, including a tragic attack just hours earlier in New Orleans. In that incident, a truck was driven into a crowd of New Year’s Day celebrants, resulting in the deaths of 15 people. With multiple high-profile events surrounding the incident, the investigation into the Las Vegas explosion is expected to continue with heightened scrutiny.