Trump, Palantir, And Mass Government Data

_WHAT’S HAPPENING_

President Donald Trump is expanding the federal government's relationship with the data analytics firm Palantir, co-founded by Trump ally Peter Thiel.

The administration says the goal is to improve efficiency and modernize data systems. But critics worry it will create a massive centralized surveillance system — one that merges all government data, instead of keeping it fragmented across separate agencies as it is now.

The plan has sparked broad backlash, with many seeing it as Trump expanding post-9/11 surveillance systems. At the same time, his administration is aiming to leverage Silicon Valley ties to advance policy goals, such as mass deportations.

_THE FACTS_

• Earlier this year, President Trump signed an executive order designed to make it easier for agencies to share data. Palantir’s tools could help with that.

• Palantir has received over $113 million in federal spending since Trump took office, and just received a new $795 million contract from the Defense Department.

• Palantir received millions in funding from In-Q-Tel, the CIA’s venture arm, and has supported US government operations for over two decades — such as locating Osama Bin Laden.

• Fannie Mae, under the oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), has also partnered with Palantir to detect mortgage fraud.

• The company's Foundry product, which organizes and analyzes data, now operates in at least four federal agencies, including Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, and is negotiating with the Social Security Administration and the IRS.

• Palantir fervently denied the NY Times’ claim that it is looking to compile a master list on Americans.

• Palantir has reportedly helped DOGE create a database tracking illegal migrants.

• Thirteen former Palantir employees publicly urged the company to cease Trump administration work, citing concerns over misusing data.

• Democrats called the Palantir-White House relationship the “Trump Deep State.”

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