Okay, so Palantir's CEO, Alex Karp, is out here defending "tough border controls." Says it's to protect Americans from the fentanyl crisis. Right. Give me a break.

Is this guy for real?

The "Protecting Americans" Gambit

Let's be real: CEOs don't just randomly start pontificating about border security out of the goodness of their hearts. It's always about the bottom line. Always. Karp's using the fentanyl crisis – a real, devastating problem, offcourse – as a shield for… something. What exactly?

Is it about scoring government contracts? Is it about deflecting criticism of Palantir's other, shall we say, less savory activities? Maybe it's just a cynical attempt to appear patriotic. The possibilities are endless, and none of them are particularly inspiring.

And the timing? Conveniently coinciding with Palantir's Q3 2025 Earnings Webcast. Because nothing says "strong financial performance" like wading into a complex and deeply divisive political issue. Smart.

From Data Mining to Border Patrol

What's next? Is Palantir gonna start building walls now? Are they gonna deploy their AI to scan everyone crossing the border? I mean, they probably already are, aren't they? Details are scarce, but you just know they're in there somewhere, hoovering up data.

It's all part of the same disturbing trend: tech companies inserting themselves into every aspect of our lives, from what we buy to who we vote for to, now, who gets to enter the country.

I just don't understand what any of this has to do with running a software company. Unless, of course, your software company is built on surveillance and control.

The Questionable Savior

Karp wants to be seen as some kind of savior, protecting us from the scourge of fentanyl. But let's not forget who we're talking about here. This is a guy who runs a company that's made billions off government contracts, often doing work that's shrouded in secrecy. A company that got rich by helping the military fight wars, and helping ICE deport people. As reported by Fox Business, Palantir CEO Alex Karp defends open border crackdown.

Is this the guy we want deciding who's a threat and who isn't?

Then again, maybe I'm being too harsh. Maybe Karp genuinely cares about the fentanyl crisis. Maybe he really believes that tough border controls are the answer. But forgive me if I remain skeptical.

He's Selling Something, And It Ain't Software