Horizon cutting-room links: Monday, 17 November 2025

"The Most Valuable Military Contractor Doesn’t Make Bombs or Guns," New York Times

This article by Jeff Sommer explores how Palantir, a software and data analysis firm, has emerged as the most valuable military contractor by harnessing artificial intelligence and data mining for national security, despite not manufacturing traditional military hardware. As its stock price skyrockets, concerns about its valuation relative to revenue and its controversial role in data collection for governments are raised.

• Palantir's market value exceeds $400 billion, significantly higher than traditional military contractors like Lockheed Martin, which has nineteen times the revenue but is valued 75 percent less.
• The company has been involved in various national security operations, including data collection for military and law enforcement, and has faced scrutiny from skeptical investors regarding its high valuation and profitability.
• Amidst geopolitical tensions, Palantir positions itself as a vital player in the military-industrial complex, claiming to support military operations and capabilities, while also drawing criticism for its "anti-woke" stance and controversial practices.

"NTEU Sues OPM for Schedule F Records," GovExec

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) has filed a federal lawsuit against OPM, claiming that OPM has unlawfully ignored a FOIA request related to the controversial Schedule F implementation.

• NTEU alleges that OPM failed to respond to its FOIA request within the legally required timeframe, which is 20 working days, signaling a lack of transparency in the handling of Schedule F records.
• Schedule F, initially introduced during the Trump administration, allows for the conversion of career federal employees to at-will status, which could affect tens of thousands of workers and has already faced legal challenges from the NTEU.
• Despite claims of transparency from the Trump administration, recent staffing cuts in agency FOIA offices have raised concerns about the government's ability to fulfill public records requests effectively.

“Republicans Turn on Trump’s Defense Policy Chief,” Politico

In a rare display of bipartisan discontent, Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby faces backlash from both Republican lawmakers and foreign allies over his leadership and strategic decisions regarding US military commitments. Critics accuse him of sidelining Congress on significant defense matters, raising concerns about national security and military readiness as he advocates for a focus on deterring China at the expense of traditional commitments in Europe and the Middle East.

• Colby has united bipartisan criticism against him, with GOP senators expressing frustration over his lack of communication regarding key military decisions, including troop withdrawals from Europe.
• His approach, which prioritizes deterring China over maintaining US military presence in Europe, has sparked a divide within the Republican Party between traditional defense hawks and those advocating for a more restrained stance.
• DOD officials defend Colby, stating that he has conducted numerous briefings for lawmakers and emphasizing the department's commitment to transparency, despite growing concerns from Congress and allies regarding his unilateral decisions.

"Trump Says He Will Sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia," Politico

President Donald Trump has confirmed plans to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a decision that may strain ties with Israel as the US strengthens its relationship with another influential Middle Eastern ally.

• Trump plans to allow Saudi Arabia to purchase F-35 jets, enhancing military cooperation but potentially upsetting Israel’s qualitative military edge.
• The delivery of these advanced fighter jets will be a complex process, potentially taking years due to production and training requirements, with possibilities for legislative halts.
• This marks the third major arms deal between the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia, reflecting a significant shift in US military support in the region, amidst previous deals that faced delays due to concerns over technology sharing with allies like the UAE.

"Booz Allen Hamilton to Relocate Headquarters From Tysons to Reston, Cut Footprint by 27%," Washington Business Journal

Booz Allen Hamilton is relocating its headquarters to Reston from Tysons, which will reduce its office space by approximately 27 percent. The new headquarters will be ready by fall 2027.

• Booz Allen Hamilton will downsize its headquarters space from 428,000 square feet in Tysons to 310,000 square feet in Reston, marking a significant reduction in its physical footprint.
• The new offices at Reston Row will feature advanced technology integration and flexible workspaces, aiming to support national missions while optimizing operational efficiency.
• The relocation is part of a larger trend known as the flight-to-quality, where companies are moving from older buildings to newly constructed, amenity-rich environments, reflecting changing employee expectations post-COVID.