A surprising appointment from President Trump has drawn fierce criticism: 22‑year‑old Thomas Fugate—recently described as a “former lawn boy”—has been placed in charge of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), prompting concerns that lack of experience and political loyalty are being prioritized over public safety amid rising threats from Iran and domestic extremists.
At a Glance
- Trump appointed Thomas Fugate, 22, to lead CP3 despite no national security background
- Critics argue placing a recent college grad in charge risks degrading counterterrorism efforts
- The office oversees an $18 million grant program to combat domestic violent extremism
- CP3 staffers report leadership upheaval, with core teams downsized from ~80 to fewer than 20
- Experts warn the move could leave the U.S. “entering very dangerous territory”
“Putting the Intern in Charge”
As first reported by ProPublica, Fugate was appointed to CP3 in May after graduating college just a year earlier. His experience includes interning at the Heritage Foundation and participating in Model UN and campaign activities—far from the national security expertise typically required for such a post.
Critics inside and outside DHS have voiced alarm, with one counterterrorism researcher bluntly describing the move as “putting the intern in charge.”
Risking U.S. Security Amid Rising Threats
Fugate’s elevation coincides with broader Trump-era cuts to CP3. The office’s staff has reportedly shrunk from about 80 to fewer than 20, while grants supporting local extremism prevention are also being reduced. ProPublica also reported on DHS concerns about surging domestic threats—including recent bombings, arson, and attacks targeting clinics and government offices.
Watch a report: Criticism mounts over Trump’s 22-year-old counterterrorism appointee.
One former DHS official warned, “We’re entering very dangerous territory,” as institutional expertise is replaced with political appointees lacking relevant background.
Expertise vs. Political Loyalty
Fugate’s appointment fits a broader pattern in Trump’s DHS shake-up, where personal loyalty often appears to outweigh expertise. His LinkedIn profile lists him as a lifelong Trump supporter active in campaign circles since his teens.
While DHS defended the move as a temporary leadership role based on Fugate’s “success,” national security professionals argue that effective terrorism prevention requires technical experience, not just political loyalty.
What’s at Stake
CP3 remains the federal government’s primary tool for supporting local and community-based prevention of targeted violence and extremism. With grants reportedly being slashed and experienced staff marginalized, experts warn the U.S. could be left vulnerable at a time of growing threats—especially with Iranian proxy networks and domestic extremists actively targeting U.S. interests.
This controversial appointment raises fundamental questions: Can a politically connected but inexperienced 22-year-old safeguard Americans against terrorist threats? And what does this say about the Trump administration’s broader national security priorities? The stakes—critics argue—could not be higher.
