Palantir, Accused Of Aiding Mass Surveillance, Hires Democrat Who Fought Patriot Act

Palantir has hired former Democratic senator Jon Tester as an adviser, as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress and lawmakers scrutinise the company’s surveillance work. Tester said his role is advisory rather than lobbying, and that he believes Palantir has a case to make to the public.

Tester opposed the USA Patriot Act during his 18 years in the Senate. The Senate Finance Committee has raised questions about Palantir’s work, while the company has $2.3 billion in taxpayer-funded contracts; more than a dozen former employees also criticised its $30 million ICE contract in 2025. Palantir denies conducting or enabling mass surveillance of US citizens, and Senator Ron Wyden’s staff said compulsory measures could be considered if the company does not respond to questions.