Jon Tester joins Palantir as advisor amid congressional scrutiny

Former Democratic Senator Jon Tester has joined Palantir Technologies in a non-lobbying advisory role. The move comes as Democrats, who are set to hold the majority in Congress following the 2026 midterms, signal plans to investigate the data analytics firm’s surveillance practices.

Tester, who represented Montana in the Senate from 2007 to 2025, previously built a reputation as a critic of government surveillance expansions, such as those under the PATRIOT Act. In his new role, he will focus on Palantir’s government services business. Tester stated that his goal is to clarify how the company’s methods differ from the broad surveillance programs he once opposed.

Palantir faces significant political pressure and allegations regarding its use of data analytics and artificial intelligence tools. The company has faced claims that it facilitated surveillance during the Trump administration and has been criticized by former employees regarding contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Palantir has rejected claims of conducting mass surveillance, stating that it works to protect privacy and uphold democratic values.