ArchiveFM

The Daily

Inside the Tech Company Powering Trump’s Most Controversial Policies

Warning: This episode contains strong language. Palantir, a data analysis and technology company, has secured federal contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars during President Trump’s second presidency, including to develop software to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement deport people. Michael Steinberger, who spent six years interviewing Palantir’s chief executive, Alex Karp, for the book “The Philosopher in the Valley,” explains how Mr. Karp went from a self-described lifelong Democrat to a champion of Mr. Trump, and the impact this transformation could have on American democracy.
Duration
41m
Broadcast on
16 Dec 2025
Audio Format
other

Warning: This episode contains strong language.

Palantir, a data analysis and technology company, has secured federal contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars during President Trump’s second presidency, including to develop software to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement deport people.

Michael Steinberger, who spent six years interviewing Palantir’s chief executive, Alex Karp, for the book “The Philosopher in the Valley,” explains how Mr. Karp went from a self-described lifelong Democrat to a champion of Mr. Trump, and the impact this transformation could have on American democracy.

Guest: Michael Steinberger, a contributing writer to The New York Times.

Background reading: 

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This podcast is supported by TikTok. Sometimes the most interesting discoveries are the ones you weren't looking for. That happens every day on TikTok. A science experiment can spark a whole new interest. A recipe you stumble upon can become a meal you make for the people you love. And a restaurant you've never heard of might become your new favorite spot. That's the thing about TikTok. Follow your curiosity and see where it leads. Your next discovery is waiting on TikTok. From The New York Times, I'm Natalie Kitrowev. This is The Daily. President Trump pushing ahead with sweeping plans to trim the size of the federal government. President Trump is ramping up deportations in Democrat-led cities. The US has attacked three nuclear sites in Iran. At the heart of many of President Trump's most controversial policies, there's been one company, Palantir. The core mission of our company always was to make the West, especially America, the strongest in the world, the strongest ever been. According to Palantir's CEO, the company exists to defend Western ideals. But to its critics... Some worry that Palantir could give the government sweeping almost futuristic surveillance capabilities. Palantir is enabling the administration's of liberal tactics. Today, Times contributor Michael Steinberger on how Palantir's CEO, who's described himself as a lifelong Democrat, became a champion of President Trump. How his political transformation shaped one of the most secretive companies in the world. And the impact that transformation could have on American democracy. Palantir is here to disrupt and make the institutions we partner with the very best in the world. And when it's necessary to scare enemies and on occasion kill them. It's Tuesday, December 16th. (upbeat music) - Michael, welcome to the show. - Thank you for having me. - You just published this book. It's called "The Philosopher in the Valley"

Transcription truncated.

Warning: This episode contains strong language. Palantir, a data analysis and technology company, has secured federal contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars during President Trump’s second presidency, including to develop software to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement deport people. Michael Steinberger, who spent six years interviewing Palantir’s chief executive, Alex Karp, for the book “The Philosopher in the Valley,” explains how Mr. Karp went from a self-described lifelong Democrat to a champion of Mr. Trump, and the impact this transformation could have on American democracy.