TETON VILLAGE, WY — Against the backdrop of the majestic Tetons and the sweeping summer beauty of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, one of the world’s most successful tech leaders, Alex Karp, flashed a peace sign to those nearby.
The billionaire behind Palantir Technologies, a company whose software has helped protect American troops, track terrorists, and aid allies like Ukraine, was here for one of the Republican Party’s most influential gatherings: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s annual Jackson Hole fundraiser.
A Tradition of Influence and Ideas
What began under Speaker John Boehner in 2016 has become a marquee political event in the GOP calendar. Each summer, Republican leadership convenes in Jackson Hole to meet with innovators, business leaders, and philanthropists capable of fueling the party’s vision.
This year’s guest list included Karp, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Jackson philanthropist Lynn Friess, and a mix of venture capitalists, cryptocurrency pioneers, and entrepreneurs.
Karp’s Growing Role in Policy & Innovation
Karp’s attendance underscored his rising influence in Republican circles. While he’s contributed to both parties over the years, he made waves in the 2024 election cycle with a $1 million contribution to MAGA Inc., the pro-Trump super PAC, alongside other high-profile donations.
Palantir’s growth mirrors its political reach. The company’s stock is up more than 600% year-over-year, with over $322 million in U.S. government contracts secured in the first half of 2025 alone, and long-term agreements with the U.S. Army now topping $10 billion. From AI-enhanced defense technology to data tools aiding Ukrainian resistance, Palantir continues to deliver results where they matter most: national security and strategic advantage.
A Message of Growth Over Gridlock
During daytime sessions at the Four Seasons, Karp spoke on “growth versus gridlock,” according to Punchbowl News, reinforcing the GOP’s push for bold action and pragmatic solutions. His remarks resonated in a party eager to marry private-sector innovation with effective governance, especially in areas like energy dominance, border security, and tech-driven defense.
The Hypocrisy Is Loud Enough to Hear From the Gondola
The Jackson Hole News & Guide covered the event with all the subtlety of a protest sign, leaning on selective quotes and a hint of pearl-clutching over the very idea of Republicans gathering in Teton Village.
But let’s be honest, if this same scene featured Alexander Soros, Reid Hoffman, and a lineup of progressive megadonors rubbing elbows with Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, we wouldn’t get the side-eye treatment. We’d get soft-focus photos, gushing over “visionary leaders” and “important conversations for our future.”
That’s the double standard at play: big political fundraisers are fine when the checks go left, but suddenly sinister if they go right. The irony? Karp has donated to both parties. The difference here isn’t the guest list, it’s the ideology.
Maybe next year we’ll invite a few Hollywood progressives just to see if the local coverage comes with a red carpet.
A Snapshot of the Evening
Punchbowl News reported more than 220 attendees, with the event offering Republican leadership a rare opportunity to connect face-to-face with major donors. While protestors were kept at bay this year, the focus remained on building momentum for 2025 and beyond.
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