Ron Paul Warns: Trump’s Data Push a “Surveillance State”

Former Congressman Ron Paul has issued a stark warning, claiming that President Trump’s administration is constructing a “Great Big Ugly Surveillance State.” This concern stems from an executive order and subsequent actions involving data collection.

In a recent commentary, Paul highlights President Trump’s March 20th executive order, titled “Eliminating Information Silos.” While seemingly innocuous, Paul argues that this order, directing federal agencies to grant designated officials “full and prompt access” to all unclassified data, has paved the way for a dangerous expansion of government surveillance.

Paul’s primary worry centers on the administration’s collaboration with tech firm Palantir to develop a comprehensive database. This database, he alleges, would consolidate all information collected by federal agencies – including the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Pentagon – on every American citizen.

“A database consisting of all the information of American citizens…would be a major step in creating a total surveillance state,” Paul writes. He fears the potential for abuse, envisioning future scenarios where personal health records, tax returns, firearm purchases, and affiliations with organizations deemed “extremist” could be readily accessed.

Paul criticizes the hypocrisy of some commentators and influencers, who, despite previously opposing government overreach, now support this initiative. Some back the database as a tool to locate illegal immigrants, while others believe it will help identify students critical of U.S. policy towards Israel. Paul finds it ironic that some vocal critics of “wokeness” and cancel culture are now advocating for government crackdowns on “anti-Israel” students.

He draws parallels to historical instances where fear led to the erosion of liberty, citing the PATRIOT Act after 9/11 and the embrace of mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also recalls the 2008 financial crisis, where even staunch free-market advocates supported government bailouts.

Palantir, founded in 2003 and partly funded by the CIA’s venture capital arm, In-Q-Tel, is positioned as a key player in this surveillance expansion. Paul underscores the company’s role in helping the government efficiently collect and store information on citizens.

Despite his concerns, Paul expresses optimism, noting that a growing number of Americans, including some Trump voters, are recognizing the dangers of sacrificing liberty for perceived security. He urges renewed efforts to promote the principles of freedom and limited government.

Ron Paul is a former member of the House of Representatives. This piece was originally published by the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity.