Former Congressman Mike Gallagher Joins Palantir as Head of Defense Operations

Palantir Technologies Inc. has announced the appointment of former Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) as its new head of defense operations, confirming long-standing rumors about the move. Gallagher, known for his hawkish stance on China, previously championed legislation aimed at forcing TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, to divest from the app or face a ban in the U.S. He replaces Doug Philippone, who will transition to an advisory role. This leadership change comes as Palantir reports its strongest quarter in U.S. government contracts since 2022, alongside a notable increase in international government revenue. In a statement welcoming Gallagher, Palantir expressed enthusiasm for his expertise in national security and technology, which is expected to bolster the company’s efforts in the defense tech sector. Gallagher praised Palantir as a "rare, leading tech company that is unapologetic in its defense of the West," highlighting the alignment of his views with the company's mission. His background as a Marine Corps officer is seen as an asset in advancing Palantir's objectives. Gallagher's appointment follows his early retirement from Congress, a decision that raised concerns among Wisconsin Republicans about potential Democratic gains in the upcoming elections. His legislative efforts against TikTok faced significant opposition from the company and the Chinese embassy but ultimately garnered bipartisan support, leading to a law that withstands constitutional scrutiny. In a recent interview, Gallagher emphasized that the real divide in national security lies not between political parties but between corporate interests and the American public. The Epoch Times was unable to obtain further comments from Gallagher regarding his new role.