US Vice President JD Vance’s partnership with Palantir has drawn criticism from Democrats and now within President Donald Trump’s own coalition.
While Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel backed Vance’s 2022 Senate campaign with $15 million, the company also won major government contracts, raising concerns about its powerful data analytics and artificial intelligence tools.
MAGA strategist Steve Bannon called Palantir a sci-fi villain, while Joe Rogan described him as “creepy” on his podcast.
Vance has defended his ties, stating that Palantir is a private company that sometimes provides useful services, although not all of its work aligns with his views. Speaking at a Conservative gathering in October, he rejected claims that he was “super in bed with Palantir.”
He stressed that concerns about data collection by private companies may be a bigger threat than Palantir itself.
Palantir has maintained that it is not a surveillance company, does not sell personal data, and provides tools to help the government and businesses with complex data challenges. Its contracts span federal agencies, state departments and private organizations.
Since Trump’s return to office, the company has landed billions in contracts, including a decade-long deal with the Army worth up to $10 billion.
Despite the scrutiny, Vance continues to bridge the Republican populist wing with the tech world, maintaining relationships with Silicon Valley while navigating internal party skepticism.
He has acknowledged the risks of AI and data analytics, but maintains that choosing the right leaders remains the main protection against misuse.
Vance’s connections to Thiel and Palantir reflect his broader career as a venture capitalist and biotech executive.
He has attempted to balance this background with his political stance, previously criticizing major tech companies while maintaining alliances with key industry figures. Critics continue to question whether these relationships create conflict as Palantir expands its influence in the government.
(CNN)
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