Mar 25, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Scoop: Tesla to display its "humanoid robot" on Capitol Hill

Andrew Solender

A Tesla robot standing in a glass display case as spectators look on. — Visitors watch a Tesla robot displayed at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on July 6, 2023. Photo: Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images

Tesla is joining "robotics symposium" at the Capitol complex to showcase its new humanoid robot to lawmakers and staff, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The event comes at a politically charged moment for the electric car company, whose founder Elon Musk has become one of the most controversial members of President Trump's inner circle.

Musk's hack-and-slash tactics for cutting government spending as the leader of DOGE have made him the target of considerable anger from Democrats.
"Here is an event that will be interesting," one senior House Democrat told Axios of the symposium.

What we're hearing: "Tesla will be participating in a robotics symposium this week on Capitol Hill, and we will have our Optimus humanoid robot on display," congressional offices were told in an invite obtained by Axios.

"We hope you or your boss might be able to stop by and take a glimpse of the future," it says, adding that "all staff are welcome to attend."
The event is scheduled for Wednesday in the Cannon House Office building, according to the invite.

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Scoop: Tesla to display its "humanoid robot" on Capitol Hill

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