Palantir CEO Defends Military Work Amid Protests

Palantir Technologies, a data analytics firm, has come under fire for its collaborations with military and law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a recent interview with The New York Times, co-founder and CEO Alex Karp addressed the backlash, asserting that he has no intention of engaging in what he termed the “apology show.” Karp emphasized the company’s commitment to a “consistently pro-Western view,” suggesting that critics advocate for appeasement towards adversarial nations like Iran, Russia, and China. Karp firmly defended Palantir’s role in supporting U.S. government operations, stating, “I’m not going to apologize for defending the U.S. government on the border, defending the Special Ops, bringing the people home.” He also highlighted the company’s contributions to Ukraine and Israel, reinforcing his stance on national security. Karp’s remarks come at a time when the company faces increasing scrutiny from activists and civil rights groups concerned about its impact on privacy and civil liberties. In the interview, Karp, who is known for being selective with his public appearances, shared insights into his political beliefs, describing them as “progressive but not woke.” He also touched on his personal life, including his friendship with fellow co-founder Peter Thiel. However, when probed about Palantir’s involvement in high-profile operations, such as the capture of Osama bin Laden, Karp remained tight-lipped, indicating a desire to maintain confidentiality regarding the company’s operations.