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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Thomas Fugate: Grocery clerk leading nation's top terror post is US President's most shocking appointment
President Donald Trump appointed a 22-year-old recent college graduate with reportedly no national security expertise to lead the Department of Homeland Security 's main hub for terrorism prevention, sparking criticism from critics. Fugate was appointed to key terrorism-prevention role amid rising threats of retaliation from Iran continue following a US military strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities. Fugate, with limited political experience and who once worked at an Austin-area H-E-B is now sitting at the helm of a key office within the US Department of Homeland Security tasked with helping prevent terrorism. He is leading the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships or CP3 at the DHS, ProPublica reported. ALSO READ: 'God help us all': Trump's appointment of 22-year-old college grad to terrorism unit amid Iran crisis faces backlash by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Books The Wealthiest People in the World Read That Poor People Never Open Blinkist Learn More Who is Thomas Fugate? Americans can't help but question their safety with the former 'gardener' being appointed as the head of the terrorism unit by the President of the United States. A former Trump campaign worker, Thomas Fugate is leading the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships—a division of the DHS that oversees terrorism prevention with his ability and qualifications triggering a barrage of questions from netizens. What is even more surprising about Thomas Fugate's appointment is his lack of experience, who graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio just a year ago. Fugate's LinkedIn profile showed no apparent national security experience. Live Events According to his LinkedIn account, he worked at Austin supermarket H-E-B as recently as August 2023 as a 'cross-functional team member.' ALSO READ: Thomas Fugate's appointment amid Iran tensions triggers controversy: MSNBC's Rachel Maddow brutally trolls Trump's pick 'I perform various activities around every department of the store, fulfilling key duties contributing to store operations,' Fugate wrote. His first job in 2020 was listed as a self-employed 'Landscape Business Owner.' Fugate wrote that his duties included 'mowing the yard, weed-whacking the weeds, edging around the yard, then the cleanup of debris.' In the year 2023, Thomas Fugate did an internship at the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation. The organization is behind the controversial Project 2025 vision for a complete overhaul of the federal government, according to Express US. A senior official at the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnership told ProPublica that 'due to his success' Fugate was 'temporarily given additional leadership responsibilities' at the agency. 'This is a credit to his work ethic and success on the job,' the official told the outlet. ALSO READ: Thomas Fugate: A novice who replaced an army veteran to lead US terror prevention centre Trump Superfan Thomas Fugate faces criticism Many politicians and others on social media are questioning Fugate's capabilities in protecting America and Americans from the situation. Experts have compared the new hire for the Trump administration as "putting the intern in charge," according to ProPublica. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy was among the leading Democratic voices who criticized Trump's secret Iran attack for putting a target on the backs of Americans abroad and at home. Murphy wrote, 'As our nation girds for possible Iranian terrorist attacks, this is the person Trump put in charge of terrorism prevention,' sharing a photo of Fugate. ALSO READ: Meet Thomas Fugate: 22-year-old ex-gardener and grocery store assistant to lead $18 million terror prevention team He added, '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.' The Republicans Against Trump X account added in a post, '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.' "DOES THIS MAKE YOU FEEL SAFE? U.S. officials say Iran will likely mobilize terrorist cells worldwide, including on U.S. soil. Just a reminder Trump has placed Thomas Fugate, a 22-year-old kid in charge of counterterrorism. He's a former grocery store clerk" wrote a person on X. "He's not had enough life experience to be able to handle this job. Jeez." added many others pointing out Fugate's life history and lack of experience. "Cause experience with shoplifters really prepares you for dealing with suicide bombers!" added another.
Economic Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Thomas Fugate's appointment amid Iran tensions triggers controversy: MSNBC's Rachel Maddow brutally trolls Trump's pick
Political commentator Rachel Maddow has taken an aim Donald Trump's 22-year-old gardener-turned-counterterrorism pick Thomas Fugate Synopsis Donald Trump has picked 22-year-old former 'gardener' to lead the head of terrorism unit, a decision that has sparked massive controversy. Fugate got the job in May after William Braniff — an Army veteran with over two decades of national security experience — resigned. Now, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow has trolled Trump's pick. Thomas Fugate, a recent graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, has been tagged as the leader of the Department of Homeland Security's Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3). Fugate, a former gardener and Trump campaign staffer who graduated college last year, is reportedly overseeing a main US counterterrorism hub. His ability to help defend the US amid heightened tensions with Iran has sparked new worries about the Trump administration's personnel decisions. ADVERTISEMENT Amid the threats of retribution from Iran following the U.S. military strike on three Iranian nuclear sites, critics have ramped up their scrutiny of the 22-year-old who was assigned to a major terrorism-prevention post by President Donald Trump. Fugate, a Trump superfan since his teens, is now leading the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (known as CP3), which is a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that oversees terrorism prevention. ALSO READ: 'God help us all': Trump's appointment of 22-year-old college grad to terrorism unit amid Iran crisis faces backlash Political commentator Rachel Maddow has taken an aim Donald Trump's 22-year-old gardener-turned-counterterrorism pick Thomas Fugate. Maddow called out the employment history of the Fugate at her MSNBC show. Thomas Fugate's history include mowing lawns, grocery clerk in a supermarket and his internship at the Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind the controversial Project 2025.'Donald Trump in his infinite wisdom has put this man in charge of (roles at) Homeland Security,' Maddow said. 'Feast your eyes. He's 22-years-old, one year out of college, with no evident national security experience whatsoever.'After posting a White House photo of Fugate with his signature arched eyebrow, Maddow noted, 'I feel duty bound to inform you that the left eyebrow is itself registered as a lethal weapon. So underestimate him at your peril, ladies.' ADVERTISEMENT ALSO READ: 'Why no regime change in Iran?': Trump's big hint as he contradicts Vance, Hegseth amid mid-east crisisThis week, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy questioned Fugate's anti-terrorism credentials as the threat of war loomed and a spate of attacks have taken . ADVERTISEMENT On Sunday, Murphy shared a photo of Fugate and posted on X, 'As our nation girds for possible Iranian terrorist attacks, this is the person Trump put in charge of terrorism prevention.' He added, '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.'Thomas was hired by DHS in February, according to his LinkedIn page. Steven Hassan, CEO of Freedom of Mind Resource Center Inc., similarly posted: "Trump didn't appoint Thomas Fugate to protect Americans from terrorism. He appointed him to ensure loyalty to him." ADVERTISEMENT "This 22-year-old has no qualifications. No expertise. But he does have one thing Trump prizes above all else: obedience." ALSO READ: France's disturbing syringe incident: Teen girls among 145 attacked. Were those laced with date-rape drugs? Fugate took over from CP3 Director Bill Braniff when he resigned in March, after staff cuts in his counterterrorism hubs authorized by the Trump administration. Braniff had over two decades of national security experience. ADVERTISEMENT Despite media and online blowback against Fugate's experience, a DHS spokesperson downplayed CP3's role in the larger department.'The Department of Homeland Security has a robust counterterrorism program, and the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) office plays an insignificant and ineffective role in the broader efforts,' a DHS spokesperson told the Daily Beast. ALSO READ: Amazon, Microsoft use AI to generate 25% of their code: Will it take away jobs of software engineers in 2025? '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.'A senior DHS official also spoke up for the 22-year-old, telling the Daily Beast he had 'performed well' in his role. 'Due to his success, he has been temporarily given additional leadership responsibilities in the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships office (CP3). This is a credit to his work ethic and success on the job.' (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Thomas Fugate's appointment amid Iran tensions triggers controversy: MSNBC's Rachel Maddow brutally trolls Trump's pick
Thomas Fugate , a recent graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, has been tagged as the leader of the Department of Homeland Security 's Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3). Fugate, a former gardener and Trump campaign staffer who graduated college last year, is reportedly overseeing a main US counterterrorism hub. His ability to help defend the US amid heightened tensions with Iran has sparked new worries about the Trump administration's personnel decisions. Amid the threats of retribution from Iran following the U.S. military strike on three Iranian nuclear sites, critics have ramped up their scrutiny of the 22-year-old who was assigned to a major terrorism-prevention post by President Donald Trump. Fugate, a Trump superfan since his teens, is now leading the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (known as CP3), which is a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that oversees terrorism prevention. ALSO READ: 'God help us all': Trump's appointment of 22-year-old college grad to terrorism unit amid Iran crisis faces backlash by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Luxury 3 BHK Flats at ₹3.85Cr+, Goregaon Sunteck City Learn More Undo Rachel Maddow slams Thomas Fugate Political commentator Rachel Maddow has taken an aim Donald Trump's 22-year-old gardener-turned-counterterrorism pick Thomas Fugate. Maddow called out the employment history of the Fugate at her MSNBC show. Thomas Fugate's history include mowing lawns, grocery clerk in a supermarket and his internship at the Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind the controversial Project 2025. 'Donald Trump in his infinite wisdom has put this man in charge of (roles at) Homeland Security,' Maddow said. 'Feast your eyes. He's 22-years-old, one year out of college, with no evident national security experience whatsoever.' Live Events After posting a White House photo of Fugate with his signature arched eyebrow, Maddow noted, 'I feel duty bound to inform you that the left eyebrow is itself registered as a lethal weapon. So underestimate him at your peril, ladies.' ALSO READ: 'Why no regime change in Iran?': Trump's big hint as he contradicts Vance, Hegseth amid mid-east crisis Thomas Fugate's appointment triggers controversy This week, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy questioned Fugate's anti-terrorism credentials as the threat of war loomed and a spate of attacks have taken . On Sunday, Murphy shared a photo of Fugate and posted on X, 'As our nation girds for possible Iranian terrorist attacks, this is the person Trump put in charge of terrorism prevention.' He added, '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.' Thomas was hired by DHS in February, according to his LinkedIn page. Steven Hassan, CEO of Freedom of Mind Resource Center Inc., similarly posted: "Trump didn't appoint Thomas Fugate to protect Americans from terrorism. He appointed him to ensure loyalty to him." "This 22-year-old has no qualifications. No expertise. But he does have one thing Trump prizes above all else: obedience." ALSO READ: France's disturbing syringe incident: Teen girls among 145 attacked. Were those laced with date-rape drugs? Fugate took over from CP3 Director Bill Braniff when he resigned in March, after staff cuts in his counterterrorism hubs authorized by the Trump administration. Braniff had over two decades of national security experience. Despite media and online blowback against Fugate's experience, a DHS spokesperson downplayed CP3's role in the larger department. 'The Department of Homeland Security has a robust counterterrorism program, and the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) office plays an insignificant and ineffective role in the broader efforts,' a DHS spokesperson told the Daily Beast. ALSO READ: Amazon, Microsoft use AI to generate 25% of their code: Will it take away jobs of software engineers in 2025? '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.' A senior DHS official also spoke up for the 22-year-old, telling the Daily Beast he had 'performed well' in his role. 'Due to his success, he has been temporarily given additional leadership responsibilities in the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships office (CP3). This is a credit to his work ethic and success on the job.'
Time of India
23-06-2025
- 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.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump administration gutted program aimed at preventing targeted violence
The Trump administration gutted a program that aims to prevent targeted violence as part of its effort 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 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 now. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo 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. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the office had backed liberal groups and that staff reductions were part of the administration's efforts to fight government waste . Live Events "Any suggestion that DHS is stepping away from addressing terrorism is simply false," McLaughlin said. "The department has a robust counterterrorism program, and the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) office plays an insignificant and ineffective role in the broader efforts." 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.
