Never Mind Tesla, The President Is Getting A New Cadillac Escalade
Members of the U.S. Secret Service visited General Motors’ Tech Center in Warren, Michigan this week to explore advancements in armored vehicle technology, as the automaker focuses on the next generation of SUVs used to transport the president of the United States.
Key Points
- U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran visited GM’s Tech Center in Warren, Michigan, to discuss next-generation armored SUVs used in presidential and dignitary protection
- GM received a $14.8 million contract in late 2024 to develop new presidential limousines, with the total award potentially reaching $41 million by 2029
- The visit comes as GM and other automakers lobby the Trump administration over tariff concerns; GM CEO Mary Barra reportedly discussed $60 billion in future U.S. investments with President Trump
Following the meeting, the Secret Service shared an image on social media of a Cadillac Escalade which looks an awful lot like one of GM Defense's Suburban Shield—a HD Chevrolet Suburban beefed up with numerous armored off-the-shelf components.
While the current presidential state car, known as "The Beast," is a custom-built Cadillac on a heavy-duty truck chassis, support vehicles for presidential and foreign dignitary protection have traditionally been Chevrolet Suburbans.
The visit comes during a politically sensitive time for the auto industry. GM and other Detroit automakers have raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, which could disrupt global supply chains. Earlier this month, GM, Ford, and Stellantis successfully lobbied the administration to pause a planned 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico.
GM’s relationship with the federal government on presidential vehicle development stretches back decades. The company has supplied state cars for the last five presidents under the Cadillac badge, including the current fleet led by the heavily armored “Beast.”
According to Reuters, GM was awarded $14.8 million in September 2024 to develop the next generation of presidential limousines. That contract, signed during the final months of President Biden’s administration, could be worth up to $41 million through 2029.
While specific details of the current discussions remain classified, the Secret Service acknowledged it uses multiple vehicle platforms in its operations and declined to elaborate further due to security concerns.
Despite the president's newly acquired affinity for Teslas, Trump has said Cadillacs were his favorite brand of cars in the past. His father, Fred Trump, loved Cadillacs and passed down the particular affinity to Donald. “My father was a great guy, I learned so much from him, and he loved Cadillac. His biggest luxury in life was to get a brand new, dark-blue Cadillac every two years,” Trump said. “My father liked Cadillacs, so that’s good enough for me.”
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Misleading headline. Trump isn't getting a new Cadillac Escalade, the Secret Service is, and they're armoring it for security. This isn't Trump's personal vehicle.
Wish he was getting a Tesla as his personal car.