DOGE, Palantir and IRS Experts Unite in Groundbreaking Mega API Hackathon
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For the past three days, representatives from DOGE—Elon Musk’s initiative for government efficiency—have joined forces with a select group of Palantir officials and scores of veteran IRS engineers at an event in Washington, DC. During this gathering, participants have been working to develop a comprehensive API designed to serve as a singular interface above all IRS databases. Sources familiar with the project revealed that the collaboration took place in a setting described at times as a hackathon, where engineers and software experts pooled their expertise to bolster the system’s capabilities.
APIs, short for application programming interfaces, provide the means for diverse applications to exchange data efficiently. In this project, the API is envisioned as a conduit for migrating IRS data to the cloud and accessing it on a unified platform. According to detailed IRS sources, DOGE is looking to have the API potentially cover every aspect of IRS records—from taxpayer names and addresses to social security numbers, tax returns, and employment details. The new layer could also enable comparisons between IRS data and interoperable datasets from other government agencies, setting the stage for a more integrated approach to data analysis.
If the initiative comes to fruition, Palantir’s Foundry software is slated to become the central “read center” for all IRS systems. This would consolidate the vast array of information within a single interface, allowing those with permission to not only view but possibly alter IRS data from one location. A source with direct knowledge of the plan explained that while the system promises comprehensive data access, it remains unclear exactly who will be granted entry when the project is finalized.
Foundry, which is one of Palantir’s flagship platforms, is engineered to organize complex datasets and enable the creation of applications and AI models. Its sophisticated “ontology” layer can automatically generate APIs to facilitate faster connections and streamlined machine learning processes. By structuring data efficiently, the platform would allow users to query large amounts of sensitive information rapidly, ensuring that emerging artificial intelligence tools can handle the data load effectively.
Engineers working on the project have expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a fully operational API within a 30-day period. Their optimism is fueled by the streamlined approach adopted during the hackathon, with many experts believing that the accelerated timeline will set the stage for long-term improvements in IRS operations. The urgency to complete the project underscores the broader push for technological modernization across government departments.
Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, has earned billions in contracts from various government agencies by supplying advanced software solutions. The company’s suite includes not only Foundry but also Gotham—a data analytics tool heavily used in defense and intelligence. CEO Alex Karp highlighted the strategic impact of DOGE’s cost-cutting measures when he stated, "Whatever is good for America will be good for Americans and very good for Palantir." In addition, former Palantir employees have increasingly taken up key roles within government IT departments and DOGE-related projects, reinforcing the company’s longstanding influence on public sector technology.
During the hackathon in Washington, DC, which kicked off on Tuesday morning and wrapped up by Thursday afternoon, engineers were seen engaging in open-ended discussions about how best to achieve DOGE’s objectives. One attendee described the event as "very unstructured," remarking on how participants freely roamed around and debated various strategies for streamlining IRS data access. This free-flowing format appears to have encouraged innovative thinking and rapid troubleshooting among the diverse group of professionals involved.
A spokesperson from the Treasury Department, when asked about Palantir’s role in the initiative, commented that “there is no contract signed yet and many vendors are being considered, Palantir being one of them.” Another Treasury official added, “The Treasury Department is pleased to have gathered a team of long-time IRS engineers who have been identified as the most talented technical personnel. Through this coalition, they will streamline IRS systems to create the most efficient service for the American taxpayer.” These remarks underscore the administration’s commitment to bringing in top expertise as it works to revamp its technological infrastructure.
The project is being spearheaded by Sam Corcos, a health-tech CEO with a background as a SpaceX engineer. IRS sources indicate that Corcos has been actively engaged in discussions with agency personnel, advocating for a radical overhaul of the IRS’s legacy computer systems. In recent meetings, he proposed pausing current engineering projects and canceling outdated contracts to accelerate modernization efforts. Speaking on Fox News with Laura Ingraham in March, Corcos explained, "We've so far stopped work and cut about $1.5 billion from the modernization budget. Mostly projects that were going to continue to put us down the death spiral of complexity in our code base." In addition to his leadership role, Corcos serves as a special adviser to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, linking his modernizing vision directly to high-level policy decisions.
Neither Palantir nor Sam Corcos has yet responded to additional requests for comment as the project continues to evolve. The consolidation effort falls in line with a recent executive order aimed at breaking down entrenched information silos across government agencies. While the order is often described as a strategy to reduce fraud and waste, it also raises significant concerns about the security risks associated with centralizing a vast amount of sensitive personal data in one location. Reflecting these concerns, the Government Accountability Office has launched a review into DOGE’s management of sensitive data, extending its scrutiny to the Treasury as well as the Departments of Labor, Education, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services.
