Is Trump Building a Federal Spy App? Palantir’s Role Has People Nervous

Looks like Trump’s making moves behind the scenes again—and this time, it’s all about data.

According to a report from The New York Times, Trump’s administration is pouring big money into Palantir Technologies, a controversial tech firm, to help build a sweeping federal data system that could track Americans using sensitive info pulled from multiple government agencies.

We’re talking everything from your medical records and student loans to your bank account numbers and disability status.

The plan involves using Palantir’s software, Foundry, to connect all this information across agencies like Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. Critics say it’s setting the stage for one of the most powerful surveillance systems the country has ever seen.

And this isn’t Palantir’s first time in the spotlight.

The company has already worked with ICE on immigration enforcement and mass deportation tactics under Trump.

Now, with the administration reportedly doubling down on Palantir’s tech, privacy advocates are sounding the alarm. They fear the data could be used to punish political opponents, target immigrants, or even keep tabs on dissenters.

Palantir’s CEO, Alex Karp, hasn’t exactly eased concerns either. He’s made bold claims about the company’s power, calling it a force to “disrupt” and “scare” enemies. Meanwhile, Palantir insists that clients control how their data is used—but with so much access in play, people aren’t buying it.

With Trump eyeing a political comeback, many are questioning how much oversight this kind of surveillance system would actually get.

Bottom line: this could be one of the most aggressive moves toward a federal data tracking network—and folks are worried their private lives might not stay private for long.