This Palantir Billionaire’s Passion Project is Criminalizing Homelessness
Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of the weapons-tech company Palantir, is also a major force behind the Trump administration’s policy of pushing unhoused people toward incarceration. Lonsdale, a longtime critic of “housing first” policy—which proposes that homelessness be solved by supplying those in need of housing with somewhere to live—argues that fining and arresting people for […]
Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir, is spearheading efforts to criminalize homelessness, aligning with the Trump administration's policies. Lonsdale, a critic of "housing first" initiatives, believes fining and arresting homeless individuals will drive them toward mental health treatment. However, evidence from a study of 100 US cities shows that such measures do not reduce homelessness.
Dr. Margot Kushel, a UCSF physician, criticizes the approach, stating that it is "absurd" to think fining people will lead to treatment. The Cicero Institute, founded by Lonsdale, has been key in passing anti-camping laws in 16 states. Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that camping bans don't violate the Eighth Amendment, even if incarceration is the only alternative.
Trump has issued an executive order aligning with Cicero's policies. Advocates for the homeless argue that Lonsdale's actions put unhoused individuals at risk and accuse him of using his wealth to harm those in need. The National Homelessness Law Center has sued the Trump administration over the administration's homelessness policy, which they see as deeply tied to Cicero's initiatives.
Written by urgent.news from Mother Jones's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
