Finance

Trump's Surprising Data Move: Partnering with Palantir to Monitor Americans

2025-05-30

Author: Kai

A Bold Executive Move Raises Eyebrows

In a controversial executive order signed in March, President Trump pushed for increased data sharing across federal agencies, igniting fears that he might be creating an extensive surveillance system on American citizens.

The Power of Palantir

Since the order, behind-the-scenes efforts have ramped up significantly, with the administration shifting its focus to Palantir— a leading data analytics firm known for its powerful software. Reports indicate that Palantir's role has expanded, having received over $113 million in federal funds since Trump took office, excluding a hefty new Pentagon contract that tops $795 million.

Building a Data Empire

Palantir's acclaimed product, Foundry, is being integrated into at least four federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. This technology enables seamless organization and analysis of vast amounts of data, paving the way for a potential consolidation of information across multiple departments.

Privacy Concerns Skyrocket

The prospect of creating detailed profiles on Americans is no longer mere speculation. The Trump administration has already sought data on various aspects of citizens' lives— from bank accounts to student debt and health records. Critics argue that this could pave the way for discrimination against immigrants and retaliation against political opponents.

Whistleblowers Voice Concerns

In a powerful backlash, 13 former Palantir employees wrote an open letter urging the company to halt its collaboration with the Trump administration. Linda Xia, one of the signatories, expressed concerns over repurposing data, stating that even well-intentioned uses could lead to significant risks of misuse.

Trust in Government on the Line

Legal experts warn that the potential for abuse is a ticking time bomb. Mario Trujillo, a lawyer with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, pointed out that trust in government hinges on the assurance that personal information will not be misused. Should citizens feel that their data could be weaponized, it could lead to a widespread crisis of trust.

Palantir's Position: Data Processor or Data Controller?

While Palantir has remained tight-lipped about its dealings with the government, it has insisted that it merely acts as a 'data processor' under the directives of its clients—meaning they supposedly control how their data is used.

A Historical Connection to Government

Founded in 2003, Palantir has a long history of working with federal agencies, amassing contracts from the Defense Department and even aiding with vaccine distribution during the pandemic. Notably, contracts for data analysis spiked after Trump’s election.

New Initiatives at the IRS and ICE

Palantir's engineers are reportedly collaborating with the IRS to create a comprehensive database on American taxpayers while also helping ICE with real-time tracking of migrant movements as part of a $30 million contract.

Behind the Scenes Coordination

Recent emails disclosed connections between government officials discussing the merging of Social Security data with immigration records, amplifying worries about privacy and the potential for unjust surveillance.

The Ongoing Debate

As Palantir's partnership with the Trump administration unfolds, the debate around privacy, data collection, and government surveillance continues to intensify, leaving many questioning the future of personal data security in America.