'God help us all': Trump's appointment of 22-year-old college grad to terrorism unit amid Iran crisis faces backlash
US President Donald Trump's move to pick a 22-year-old college graduate with no previous government leadership or security experience for a critical terrorism-prevention role has drawn criticism amid rising tensions with Iran. The backlash from Democrats came in the wake of military strikes against Iran and warnings from officials about the heightened risk of terror attacks at home.
For the unversed,
Thomas Fugate
, who previously worked as a landscaper and grocery clerk is leading the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships- a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that oversees terrorism prevention. It is known as CP3. The CP3 works to combat terrorism, school shootings and other hate-driven violence, oversees an $18 million grant program intended to help communities battle violent extremism.
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Meet Thomas Fugate: 22-year-old ex-gardener and grocery store assistant to lead $18 million terror prevention team
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Thomas Fugate's appointment facing backlash?
Thomas Fugate, a 22-year-old who was assigned to a major terrorism-prevention post by Donald Trump, is under scrutiny amid Iran's threats of retribution. Political observers are questioning the president's decision to entrust a 22-year-old with a critical role—especially as the position has taken on even greater importance recently.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Senator Chris Murphy called out Trump for appointing Thomas Fugate. 'As our nation girds for possible Iranian terrorist attacks, this is the person Trump put in charge of terrorism prevention,' Murphy wrote — referring to Fugate. '22 years old. Recent work experience: landscaping/grocery clerk. Never worked a day in counter-terrorism. But he's a BIG Trump fan. So he got the job," his post read on X.
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— ChrisMurphyCT (@ChrisMurphyCT)
A former Trump campaign worker, Thomas Fugate's experience has raised some serious concerns. A report from Pro Publica in June revealed that Thomas Fugate got the job after William Braniff — an Army veteran with over two decades of national security experience — resigned in protest of cuts to CP3.
Thomas Fugate's LinkedIn profile shows he spent several months performing 'lawn care work around my neighborhood,' and also worked part time as a clerk at an H-E-B supermarket.
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Thomas Fugate: A novice who replaced an army veteran to lead US terror prevention centre
In a post, social media account named 'The Republicans against Trump' wrote, 'As major U.S. cities brace for possible terror attacks in response to the strikes on Iran, just a reminder of who Trump put in charge of terror prevention. God help us all.'
— RpsAgainstTrump (@RpsAgainstTrump)
The appointment of the recent University of San Antonio graduate had already put counterterrorism experts and insiders on edge. 'It sounds like putting the intern in charge,' a counterterrorism researcher who has experience working with CP3 told ProPublica. 'We're entering very dangerous territory,' another longtime counterterrorism official said.
'Maybe he's a wunderkind. Maybe he's Doogie Howser and has everything at 21 years old, or whatever he is, to lead the office. But that's not likely the case,' an counterterrorism researcher, who has worked with CP3 officials for years, told ProPublica. 'It sounds like putting the intern in charge.'
The appointment of Fugate with no counter-terrorism experience to a key role in terrorism prevention has raised eyebrows, particularly in the context of escalating tensions with Iran, raising questions about the administration's prioritization of national security amidst geopolitical tensions.
The department told The Independent that Fugate was 'temporarily given additional leadership responsibilities' in CP3 'due to his success.' Staffers he works with, however, have likened meeting with him to 'career counseling' while expressing shock at how little he appears to know about the role, the outlet reported.
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What is DHS saying?
In a statement to the Daily Beast, a DHS spokesperson called the
Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships
an 'insignificant' and 'ineffective' piece of a larger puzzle. 'Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, CP3 was weaponized against political opponents, and its main purpose was to funnel money to progressive groups. It should be no surprise to anyone that the Trump Administration is making a diligent effort to end waste, fraud, and abuse—this office is just another example,' they wrote. 'The senior official performing the duties of the undersecretary has directly overseen efforts to reform this office and has tasked several staffers to assist with this.'
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According to his LinkedIn profile, Fugate briefly worked as a gardener in 2020 before beginning a series of fellowships and internships, including one at the conservative Heritage Foundation. Before taking up the new leadership responsibilities, Fugate was hired as a 'special assistant' in an immigration office at the Department of Homeland Security.
He later joined the Trump campaign and attended the Republican National Convention. He also held the position of secretary general for a Model United Nations club.
In recent months, he shared photos from the White House, including one post where he described taking 'the first major leap' of his career with enthusiasm.
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