Palantir Technologies (PLTR, Financial) has been making waves in government contracting, reportedly using a “revolving door” strategy to land lucrative deals. A Financial Times report suggests the company hires former government officials and rotates executives between public and private sector roles to gain influence over contract decisions.

According to the Tech Transparency Project (TTP), this approach has helped Palantir secure $2.7 billion in U.S. government contracts since 2009, including $1.3 billion from the Pentagon. In the UK, the company has won £376 million ($477 million) in contracts, often hiring key figures from the National Health Service (NHS) and the Defense Department just before sealing deals.

Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel's political connections, combined with $5.8 million in lobbying spending in 2024, have further strengthened its position. With former Palantir executives now holding roles in Washington, questions are being raised about how much influence tech firms really have in shaping government spending.