Palantir becomes sponsor of The Free Press' pro-war podcast "School of War"

The Free Press' "School of War" podcast, hosted by former Marine Aaron MacLean, now carries sponsorship from defense contractor Palantir. Since July 21 the show has aired a paid introduction that markets Palantir's Maven Smart System, an AI-based surveillance and targeting platform employed by the U.S. military in the ongoing Iran conflict. Episodes regularly feature pro-war voices, including multiple appearances by members of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a recent interview with Senator Ted Cruz urging regime change in Iran.

The sponsorship began with an episode featuring a reporter at one outlet and continues with similar promotional spots. The Free Press was acquired by David Ellison's Paramount Skydance for $150 million in 2025, linking the outlet to broader tech and defense interests. Observers point to Palantir’s role in Project Maven, which has faced scrutiny after a missile strike on an Iranian girls’ school that killed 156 civilians, raising concerns about AI-driven targeting.