Palantir Snags Former GOP Leader Mike Gallagher As Defense Chief, Sparking New Debate Over US Tech Security: Report

Former Republican Representative Mike Gallagher is reportedly entering Palantir Technologies Inc. PLTR as its chief of defense, adding a prominent government bureaucrat, who is also a famous vocal critic of China.

Gallagher has been in the headlines for being the principal name who led a bipartisan group of lawmakers that presented legislation to push TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell it or face a prohibition in the U.S., reported Bloomberg.

“I’ve never done anything half-ass in my life,” Gallagher said, Bloomberg noted. “I’ll give this all the talent and energy I have.”

Gallagher, who represented Wisconsin, will report to Alex Karp, the CEO of Palantir Technologies. He will work under a full-time regimen.

Also Read: Palantir’s Alex Karp Defends Military Partnerships, Stands Firm on Pro-Western Stance: Report

With the new job, he substitutes Doug Philippone, a company veteran who will stay as an adviser to Palantir Technologies.

“Mike’s unique talents have helped to shape US policy towards our adversaries,” Karp said. “I am delighted he is joining Palantir, and am certain he will play an invaluable role.”

Once supported by the CIA’s venture capital arm, Palantir specializes in software and competes directly with the Defense Department’s hardware giants.

Axios reported that adding Gallagher could bolster its growth in U.S. government contract bookings, which have recently hit their highest levels since second-quarter 2022.

“In Palantir, you have a rare, leading technology company that is unapologetic in its defense of the West and its belief that America is a force for good in this world and worth defending against our enemies,” Gallagher told Axios, adding that innovation from the private sector could play a crucial role in preventing World War III.

Price Action: PLTR shares are trading higher by 0.37% to $32.66 premarket at last check Thursday.

Photo via Shutterstock

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