Palantir hires a former Democratic senator as it faces scrutiny in new Congress

Palantir Technologies has hired former Democratic Senator Jon Tester as scrutiny from Democrats in Congress intensifies over the company's ties to the Trump administration and allegations of enabling mass surveillance. The move is part of a broader trend among tech companies hiring former Democratic lawmakers and staffers to improve their standing as Democrats prepare to regain congressional oversight in January. Palantir denies facilitating mass surveillance and says it only creates organizational tools for government agencies, though Democratic Senator Ron Wyden has indicated he plans to press the company for answers about its Department of Homeland Security contracts.