Congressman Mike Gallagher, known for his strong stance against China, is leaving Congress to take a job with defense tech contractor Palantir. Gallagher, who chairs the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, has been a vocal advocate for banning TikTok and other Chinese-owned social media apps. His move to Palantir comes at a time when the company is strengthening its ties with the U.S. Department of Defense, particularly in relation to its focus on Taiwan. The exact details of Gallagher’s new role at Palantir are not yet known.
Gallagher’s decision to join Palantir follows a similar move by Jacob Helberg, a U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission commissioner who recently took on a role as a senior policy advisor to Palantir CEO Alex Karp. Gallagher and Helberg have been working together to build bipartisan support for a bill banning TikTok from operating in the U.S. under Chinese ownership. Last week, Gallagher introduced a bill targeting social media apps with more than 20% ownership by entities from adversary countries, specifically naming TikTok as a prime example.
The legislation proposed by Gallagher aims to address concerns about foreign corporate ownership of social media platforms and its potential impact on free speech. This bill reflects Gallagher’s ongoing efforts to counter Chinese influence in the U.S. and protect national security interests. His new position at Palantir suggests that the company is placing a greater emphasis on issues related to U.S.-China tensions and national security threats, such as those surrounding Taiwan. Gallagher’s reputation as a China hawk aligns with Palantir’s focus on defense technology and national security.
Palantir, a major defense tech contractor, has been working closely with the U.S. Department of Defense on various projects, including those involving Taiwan. Gallagher’s involvement with Palantir could further strengthen the company’s position in the defense technology sector and its efforts to address security challenges posed by China. Gallagher’s departure from Congress will further deplete the Republicans’ majority in the House, signaling a shift in leadership and policy priorities within the party.
While the specifics of Gallagher’s role at Palantir remain unclear, his move to the tech giant underscores the growing importance of addressing national security concerns related to China. As tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate, the role of companies like Palantir in safeguarding national interests becomes increasingly crucial. Gallagher’s transition from Congress to the private sector reflects the evolving landscape of national security and defense technology, highlighting the need for collaboration between government officials and private sector entities to address emerging threats.
