Thomas C. Fugate
Thomas Fugate | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2025 | |
| Director of the United States Department of Homeland Security Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships | |
| Assumed office May 2025 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Secretary | Kristi Noem |
| Preceded by | William Braniff |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2002 or 2003 (age 22–23) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | |
Thomas C. Fugate III (born 2002 or 2003) is an American serving in the United States Department of Homeland Security whose responsibilities were expanded to include serving as the director of the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships.[1][2]
He graduated in Politics and Law from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2024 and worked as an intern at the Heritage Foundation.[1][3][4] He succeeded counterterrorism scholar Bill Braniff, who resigned following the cutting of staff at the center.[2] Fugate had been a "special assistant" at the Department of Homeland Security in an immigration office.[2] He had also worked on the Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign and attended the 2024 Republican National Convention.[2]
Controversy
[edit]Fugate's appointment drew criticism in the media due to his very limited experience in national security. ProPublica observed that his LinkedIn showed the bulk of his leadership experience coming from a Model United Nations club.[1] Former Homeland Security officials and counterterrorism experts voiced concern that the decision reflected an effort by the Trump administration to sideline CP3's original mission and shift its focus toward immigration and partisan priorities.[1][5] The Department of Homeland Security defended Fugate's appointment, citing his work ethic and performance.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Allam, Hannah (June 4, 2025). "'The Intern in Charge': Meet the 22-Year-Old Trump's Team Picked to Lead Terrorism Prevention". ProPublica. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Lubin, Rhian (June 5, 2025). "A 22-year-old college grad with no security experience is now leading a government terror prevention team: 'Putting the intern in charge'". The Independent. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ "2024 May Commencement". University of Texas at San Antonio. 2024. p. 49. Retrieved June 5, 2025 – via Issuu.
- ^ "Thomas Fugate Age, Education, Career, Ethnicity, Salary, Biography". The Educationist Hub. June 5, 2025. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
- ^ "Thomas Fugate: A novice who replaced an army veteran to lead US terror prevention centre". The Economic Times. June 6, 2025. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ Lubin, Rhian (June 5, 2025). "College grad with no security experience now leading DHS terror prevention team". The Independent. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
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- Living people
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