Who is Thomas Fugate, the 22-year-old appointed to DHS's counterterrorism hub?

[mahatmakanejeeves]

“Washington Examiner”. Yes, it’s RW, but even they’re having an “uh-oh” moment.

Who is Thomas Fugate, the 22-year-old appointed to DHS’s counterterrorism hub?

By
David Zimmermann
June 23, 2025 11:54 am

President Donald Trump’s recent appointment of 22-year-old Thomas Fugate to the Department of Homeland Security’s counterterrorism division is sparking backlash. … The White House appointed Fugate to DHS’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, which is responsible for preventing domestic terrorism and targeted violence.

The news comes as Iran considers retaliating against the United States after three of Tehran’s nuclear sites were destroyed over the weekend in a bombing operation that Trump called “very successful.” … Detractors of the Trump administration are pointing to Fugate’s lack of experience in national security, arguing that he is unqualified for the job.

Fugate previously interned at the Heritage Foundation before working for the Trump campaign and joining DHS as a “special assistant” in an immigration office, ProPublica reported earlier this month. He succeeded CP3 Director Bill Braniff, who resigned in March after the Trump administration began cutting his staff at the counterterrorism hub. … Unlike Fugate, Braniff held more than two decades of national security experience. The 22-year-old assumed the position last month.

Fugate did some gardening in his neighborhood and worked at a supermarket, according to his LinkedIn page. He also served as secretary general of a Model United Nations club and graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio last year.

{snip}

[jayschool2013]

1. I love the bullshit "detractors say"

Detractors of the Trump administration say the 22-year-old former grocery clerk and intern at DHS, recent graduate of the University of Texas-San Antonio, model UN club member and Rob Schneider impersonator is "unqualified" for the position he's in.

On the other hand ...

Whatever.

Shit's fucked up, and it probably will be for the rest of my life. I'm 63 and in good health, but we're now way past the point of no-return and bullshit "he/she/they said" reporting.

I'm beginning my journalism classes this fall with a unit formerly called "Journalism's place in a democratic society" now titled "Journalism's place in a police state." Lesson number one: tell the fucking truth call out bullshit.

[Silent Type]

2. Jeeez, a 22 year old with no experience, stupid appointment. Fortunately CP3 is a really small group, 20 employees,

small budget (like $25 Million or so), mostly distributes small grants to state/local groups, etc. But still, a 22 year old is ridiculous.

https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/2024_1015_dmo_plcy_center_for_prevention_programs_and_partnerships_cp3_1.pdf

[Basso8vb]

3. An unqualified piece of shit who definitely won't get caught up in a honey pot operation or anything.