I agree, it grosses me out. Although I always found it appropriate that Palantir is named after an object tainted by Sauron, which corrupts those who look into it.

The palantir lets the user see anywhere and communicate telepathically with other palantir users. Sauron didn't taint the palantir. He would simply overpower anybody who recklessly used one. Aragorn was able to use one and survive Sauron's mental attack.

I also hate it- Tolkein survived WW1 and would probably hate that military companies are looking to him for inspiration

Quite. I've read that his description of Mordor was based off his experiences from WW1. He was not a fan of war.

Granted..in the stories, the palantir caused all sorts of trouble (backdoor for Sauron to infiltrate the corporate networks..) so maybe the name is apt...

he gives the impression of anti-war but also anti-appeasement. The core of LOTR is about dealing with the threat once and for all rather than kicking the can down the road for future generations to deal with

If I’m not mistaken, the palantir was not accurate in its clairvoyance, right? Wasn’t it showing the black flag ships approaching Minas Tirith and caused the head of the city to flee when really it was Aragorn or the elves coming to save the city? Maybe I’m misremembering, it’s been a long time.

It was accurate but misleading. Aragon had taken over the black flag ships and sailed in those.

There is even more link. Anduril is founded by Palmer Luckey, of Oculus and funding the Trump trolls fame.

And guess who invested in it - Peter Thiel, of Palantir (among others) fame.

And his sister just married US House Rep Matt Gaetz.