Latest news with #ThomasFugate
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'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. ALSO READ: Meet Thomas Fugate: 22-year-old ex-gardener and grocery store assistant to lead $18 million terror prevention team by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Vietnam: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo 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. Live Events — 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. ALSO READ: 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. ALSO READ: Tulsi Gabbard snubbed by Trump after US spy chief defied her Iran advice? Pics from Situation room sparks buzz 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.' ALSO READ: A list of 'safest' countries to seek shelter as World War III fear looms 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.
The Independent
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
A 22-year-old college grad with no security experience is now leading a government terror prevention team: ‘Putting the intern in charge'
A 22-year-old college graduate with no previous government leadership or security experience appointed to a major posting at the Department of Homeland Security is now drawing further scrutiny from President Donald Trump's Democratic critics in the wake of military strikes against Iran and warnings from officials about the heightened risk of terror attacks at home. Thomas Fugate, a former Heritage Foundation intern and self-described 'Trumplican,' joined DHS in a leadership role at the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, known as CP3 in May. The CP3, which works to combat terrorism, school shootings and other hate-driven violence, oversees an $18 million grant program intended to help communities battle violent extremism. The appointment of the recent University of San Antonio grad put counterterrorism experts and insiders on edge, ProPublica first reported in early June. 'It sounds like putting the intern in charge,' a counterterrorism researcher who has experience working with CP3 told the outlet. 'We're entering very dangerous territory,' another longtime counterterrorism official said. Those warnings were echoed by Chris Murphy, a Democratic senator from Connecticut, on Sunday after the Department of Homeland Security warned in a bulletin that 'ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States'. On Saturday evening, Donald Trump authorized military strikes against three Iranian nuclear sites the administration and Israeli government claimed were part of a renewed push by Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons. The U.S. has not provided evidence to back up its assertion. While Trump officials warn publicly against retaliation, the strikes are the most significant military action committed by the U.S. against Iran in years. 'As our nation girds for possible Iranian terrorist attacks, this is the person Trump put in charge of terrorism prevention. 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,' wrote Murphy on Twitter. Though Fugate's position at CP3 involves levels of responsibility far beyond his previous experiences, he's far from the final authority in the Trump administration overseeing counterrorism efforts. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces are the main investigative body in this matter; CP3 does not engage in law enforcement or data collection duties, per its own website. The agency instead works with local government entities on violence prevention programs. But officials spoke out about Fugate's appointment nonetheless as spring saw a number of high-profile, violent incidents, including the attack in Boulder, Colorado, the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., and a car bombing outside a California fertility center. Fugate took over from Army veteran Bill Braniff, who resigned in March after the Trump administration cut 20 percent of his staff. Another Twitter user wrote of his appointment Saturday evening: 'If Iran activates sleeper cells, I feel safe knowing Trump appointed this 23 year old to run counter terrorism operations at Department of Homeland Security.' Braniff had more than 20 years' experience in national security. 'If I cannot advance the prevention mission from inside of the government for now, I will do what I can outside of government,' he wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing his resignation. 'CP3 is the inheritor of the primary and founding mission of DHS - to prevent terrorism,' he added. Braniff's achievements in the post included funneling nearly $90 million since 2020 toward helping communities tackle extremist violence. Replacing Braniff with Fugate is 'an insult,' a source told ProPublica. Braniff helped with the move 'toward evidence-based approaches to terrorism prevention' in a field still dealing with post-9/11 work that was predisposed to stigmatizing Muslims, the source added. 'They really started to shift the conversation and shift the public thinking. It was starting to get to the root of the problem,' they said. 'Now that's all gone.' Before taking up the new leadership responsibilities, Fugate was hired as a 'special assistant' in an immigration office at the Department of Homeland Security. 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. According to Fugate's LinkedIn profile, he worked as a gardener briefly in 2020 before embarking on fellowships and internships, including at the conservative Heritage Foundation. He worked on the Trump campaign last year where he attended the Republican National Convention. He also served as secretary general of a Model United Nations club. He shared photos in recent months at the White House. In one post, he gushed about taking 'the first major leap' of his career. The criticism of the 22-year-old follows similar outrage over Elon Musk's hiring of teenagers in the Department of Government Efficiency. Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old Northeastern University drop-out, was part of a group of young DOGE engineers who were given access to critical computer systems as part of the Trump administration 's efforts to gut the federal government. President Donald Trump stood by the group after widespread criticism earlier this year. 'I'm very proud of the job that this group of young people, generally young people, but very smart people, they're doing,' Trump said.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump administration gutted program aimed at preventing targeted violence
By Ted Hesson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration gutted a program that aimed to prevent targeted violence as part of its sweeping bid to downsize the federal government, a move that could come under fresh scrutiny after the deadly shooting of state lawmakers in Minnesota on Saturday. The Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, works to reduce violent extremism through intervention programs in schools, workplaces and government offices. William Braniff, a former director of the office who resigned in protest in March, said the office went from having 45 full-time staff and several dozen contract workers to just a handful of employees currently. The Trump administration has prioritized combating illegal immigration while shrinking other DHS offices, a factor Braniff cited. "DHS is drastically reducing everything that is not related to border and immigration security," he said. The current head of the office is Thomas Fugate, a 22-year-old former Trump campaign worker who did not appear to have previous experience with countering terrorism and violent attacks, ProPublica reported earlier this month. DHS and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A gunman posing as a police officer killed a senior Democratic state assemblywoman and her husband on Saturday in an apparent "politically motivated assassination," and wounded a second lawmaker and his spouse, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and law enforcement officials said. (Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols, editing by Franklin Paul)
Reuters
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Trump administration gutted program aimed at preventing targeted violence
WASHINGTON, June 14 (Reuters) - The Trump administration gutted a program that aimed to prevent targeted violence as part of its sweeping bid to downsize the federal government, a move that could come under fresh scrutiny after the deadly shooting of state lawmakers in Minnesota on Saturday. The Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, works to reduce violent extremism through intervention programs in schools, workplaces and government offices. William Braniff, a former director of the office who resigned in protest in March, said the office went from having 45 full-time staff and several dozen contract workers to just a handful of employees currently. The Trump administration has prioritized combating illegal immigration while shrinking other DHS offices, a factor Braniff cited. "DHS is drastically reducing everything that is not related to border and immigration security," he said. The current head of the office is Thomas Fugate, a 22-year-old former Trump campaign worker who did not appear to have previous experience with countering terrorism and violent attacks, ProPublica, opens new tab reported earlier this month. DHS and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A gunman posing as a police officer killed a senior Democratic state assemblywoman and her husband on Saturday in an apparent "politically motivated assassination," and wounded a second lawmaker and his spouse, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and law enforcement officials said.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Salmonella outbreak connected to egg recall sickens dozens in 7 US states: Know the bacteria and its symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is out with a new alert about a salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs. August Egg Company has issued a recall on Friday for 1,700,000 brown cage-free and certified organic brown eggs due to potential fears of salmonella. At least 79 people in seven states have gotten a strain of salmonella that was linked to the eggs, and 21 people have been hospitalized. the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, reports PBS. ALSO READ: Egg recall expands to 9 states after Salmonella outbreak leaves dozens ill, officials urge caution - check map Large egg recall due to salmonella outbreak This year has seen a surge in product recalls linked to concerns such as damage, contamination, foodborne illnesses, and undeclared allergens. Food sensitivities and allergies affect millions of Americans annually. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the nine most common food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and crustacean shellfish. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo According to an FDA alert, certain eggs were distributed to grocery chains such as Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raley's, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs between February 3 and May 15, 2025. These eggs have sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 4, 2025, and were sold in California and Nevada. ALSO READ: Thomas Fugate: A novice who replaced an army veteran to lead US terror prevention centre Live Events The FDA also noted that additional eggs were distributed to Walmart stores in Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and Wyoming between February 3 and May 6, 2025, with sell-by dates from March 4 to June 19, 2025. What is salmonella? Fresh eggs, even those with clean, uncracked shells, may contain bacteria called Salmonella that can cause foodborne illness, often called 'food poisoning", according to the FDA. Salmonella, the name of a group of bacteria, is a common cause of food poisoning in the United States. The FDA warns that salmonella is an organism that could cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in frail or older people, young children and those with weakened immune systems. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting 12 to 72 hours after infection. Symptoms usually last 4 to 7 days and most people get better without treatment, the FDA says. However, in some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated quickly with antibiotics. Certain people are at greater risk for severe illness and include children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems (such as transplant patients and individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and diabetes). ALSO READ: Has Ivanka Trump distanced herself from MAGA? Her recent action 'subtly shading' father Donald Trump sparks buzz Symptoms Consuming dangerous foodborne bacteria will usually cause illness within 1 to 3 days of eating the contaminated food. However, sickness can also occur within 20 minutes or up to 6 weeks later. Although most people will recover from a foodborne illness within a short period of time, some can develop chronic, severe, or even life-threatening health problems. Foodborne illness can sometimes be confused with other illnesses that have similar symptoms. The symptoms of foodborne illness can include: vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and body ache. Keeping Eggs Safe Buying: Only buy eggs stored in a refrigerator or refrigerated case. Open the carton before purchase to ensure eggs are clean and free of cracks. Storing: Refrigerate eggs promptly at 40°F (4°C) or lower. Use a fridge thermometer to check. Keep eggs in their original carton and use within 3 weeks for best quality. Hard-cooked eggs (peeled or in-shell) should be eaten within 1 week. Don't freeze eggs in the shell. To freeze, beat yolks and whites together; egg whites can be frozen alone. Use frozen eggs within 1 year. Refrigerate leftover egg dishes and eat within 3–4 days. Divide large portions into shallow containers for faster cooling. ALSO READ: 'Good Night, and Good Luck' on CNN: How to watch George Clooney's Broadway play for free Preparing: Wash hands, utensils, equipment, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after contact with raw eggs. Cook eggs until both yolks and whites are firm; scrambled eggs should not be runny. Cook egg-based dishes (e.g., casseroles) to an internal temperature of 160°F. For recipes using raw or undercooked eggs (like Caesar dressing or homemade ice cream), use pasteurized eggs or egg products. Transporting: For picnics, place cooked eggs and egg-based dishes in an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs to keep them cold. Always transport the cooler in the car's passenger area, as the trunk tends to get much warmer. Once at the picnic site, set the cooler in a shaded spot if available, and keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain a safe temperature. For school or work lunches, pack cooked eggs with a small frozen gel pack or a frozen juice box to help keep them chilled until mealtime.
