Shares of Palantir Technologies declined sharply over the week ending Friday, April 10, 2026, even as Donald Trump publicly praised the company’s role in defense technology. The stock fell approximately 15% during the week, reflecting broader pressure across the software and artificial intelligence sectors.
In a post on Truth Social on Friday, April 10, 2026, Trump highlighted Palantir’s capabilities, stating that the company has demonstrated strong “war fighting capabilities and equipment.” His remarks come as reports indicate that the U.S. military is using Palantir’s AI-powered Maven Smart System platform to assist with target identification in operations in the Middle East. The company derives a significant portion of its U.S. revenue from government contracts, including work with the Pentagon and immigration enforcement agencies.
Palantir CEO Alex Karp has consistently supported the use of advanced technology in defense, aligning more closely with current administration policies despite previously backing Joe Biden. Karp has also defended the company against criticism over surveillance concerns involving both immigrants and U.S. citizens.
The company’s political positioning has drawn internal and external scrutiny. In October 2025, a senior communications executive described the firm’s perceived political shift as “concerning,” though related public footage was later removed from online platforms.
Palantir’s partnerships in the AI sector have also raised questions. Its platform integrates models from multiple labs, including Anthropic, which has faced restrictions from the Department of Defense due to concerns over potential misuse in autonomous weapons and surveillance. Although Karp previously indicated plans to phase out Anthropic’s models, no such move has yet been confirmed.
Market sentiment toward AI stocks weakened further after Anthropic introduced a new model with limited release, citing risks of misuse. This has fueled broader concerns that rapid AI advancements could disrupt traditional software business models.
Investor skepticism has also been amplified by Michael Burry, who has taken bearish positions on several AI-related companies, including Palantir. In recent commentary, Burry suggested the stock may experience short-term gains but maintained that its fundamental value remains significantly lower than current levels.
Following the week’s decline, Palantir shares were trading near $128, reflecting ongoing volatility in the AI-driven technology sector.