HHS Is Using AI Tools From Palantir to Target ‘DEI’ and ‘Gender Ideology’ in Grants

The Department of Health and Human Services has been secretly utilizing advanced artificial intelligence tools from technology firm Palantir, in conjunction with startup Credal AI, to screen federal grants for potential alignment with certain socially conservative ideologies. Since March 2025, these agencies have implemented a system that uses machine learning algorithms to identify grant applications or proposals that express support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives or what is often referred to as “gender ideology.” This process aims to weed out applicants whose work may be deemed objectionable by certain groups. The use of such AI-powered screening tools raises significant concerns about censorship, bias, and the potential suppression of dissenting views within the grant application process. Many experts argue that these systems can unfairly target marginalized communities and stifle innovative research that challenges dominant narratives. While the federal government has been tight-lipped about the specifics of this initiative, some officials have acknowledged that it is designed to ensure compliance with certain policy guidelines set forth by the Biden administration’s Office for Civil Rights Enforcement.