Former GOP Representative Mike Gallagher, known for his strong defense stance and leadership of the House select committee on China, has officially joined Palantir Technologies as the new head of its defense division, the company announced today.
Gallagher, who resigned from Congress in March and left office in April, began his new role at Palantir in June. Doug Philippone, a venture capitalist who has led the company’s defense arm since 2008, will remain with Palantir as an adviser, according to a spokesperson for Breaking Defense.
During his four terms in the House, the Wisconsin Republican and Marine Corps veteran established a reputation for his national security credentials, serving on the House Armed Services Committee and becoming a vocal critic of China’s military and technological growth. He was also a strong proponent of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. His views on foreign and domestic issues, including his opposition to the proposed impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, occasionally put him at odds with hard-right GOP members aligned with former President Donald Trump.
One of Gallagher’s notable achievements included the introduction of a bill aimed at banning the social media app TikTok in the U.S. unless its Chinese owners divested their stake. This legislation passed Congress in April as part of a broader foreign aid package that was signed into law later that month.
In an interview with Defense One, Gallagher outlined his priorities at Palantir, emphasizing a desire to build on the company’s recent contract awards—such as winning the Army’s TITAN contract, which designates Palantir as the first software company to serve as a prime contractor on a hardware platform. He also aims to expand the company’s space portfolio and increase involvement in AUKUS.
“I view this as an opportunity to continue that mission—the mission of defending the country and preventing World War III—in the private sector. I think those are the stakes. I don’t think that’s an overstatement,” he remarked.
Today’s announcement confirms earlier reports from Puck News and other outlets in March regarding Gallagher’s forthcoming role at the defense tech company.
“Mike’s unique talents have helped to shape U.S. policy towards our adversaries. I am delighted he is joining Palantir and am certain he will play an invaluable role for Palantir and our mission partners,” said Palantir CEO Alex Karp in a statement.
