Latest news with #ThomasFugate
Time of India
2 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.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Horrifying 'killer bees' spreading across 13 US states and can sting thousands of times in short period
Africanized honey bees , also known by their menacing 'killer bees' moniker, are spreading northward in the US, researchers fear. The "killer bee", commonly found in South Africa, is far more aggressive than the European honey bee, the most common in the US, reports Daily Mail. Rather than isolated attacks, the killer bees swarm in vast numbers and can sting victims thousands of times in a short period. The insect species, which first arrived in America in 1990, has been found in 13 states in the South and Southwest, and are reportedly heading north as the weather warms up. ALSO READ: Thomas Fugate's appointment amid Iran tensions triggers controversy: MSNBC's Rachel Maddow brutally trolls Trump's pick by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Play this for 1 minute and see why everyone is crazy about it. Play Game Undo Swarms of killer bees spread in America The 'killer bees' attack when their hive is disturbed or in response to loud noises, such as a tree-trimmer or lawn-mower — even when it is a few blocks away. The bees can chase their target for up to a mile and experts say victims have little option other than to run, as per the Daily Mail report. Killer bee swarms have led to the death of a Texas man mowing his lawn and the hospitalization of three tree trimmers in the past three months. London's Natural History Museum estimates that it would take approximately 1,000 stings to kill an adult human, but Africanized bees attack in swarms far greater. Some reports have counted as many as 300,000 to 800,000 bees in a single swarm. Live Events But experts now fear that warmer temperatures will allow the deadly insects to advance further north up the east and west coasts — putting tens of millions more Americans at risk. Dr Juliana Rangel, a bee expert in Texas who has been chased by the bees herself, warned: "By 2050 or so, with increasing temperatures, we're going to see northward movement, mostly in the western half of the country." ALSO READ: As World War III fears surge, Putin announces big move amid Israel-Iran conflict. Check details The bee is visually similar to the European honey bee, a docile and familiar bee in the US, but is much more aggressive. Bee stings contain the toxin melittin, which can cause cells to burst and trigger massive inflammation in large quantities, potentially leading to organ failure and death. The Africanized killer honey bee reached the United States after spreading up from Brazil, where it was introduced in the 1950s in an attempt to boost honey production. At present, it is in 13 US states: California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. What separates them from other honey bees is their mode of attack. A colony of Africanized honey bees sends out far more bees in a defensive response, which leads to more stings on the victim. They are also more sensitive than standard honey bees to potential threats. An Ohio man was stung 20,000 times in 2022 while trimming tree branches. He survived only after being put into a medically-induced coma. ALSO READ: Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez has an unusual request for the guests ahead of their high-profile wedding How can you protect yourself? If someone is attacked by the bees, officials in most states advise people to 'run away quickly'. While running, officials say people should pull their shirt up over their head to protect the face, but make sure this doesn't slow their progress. Someone should only stop running when they reach closed shelter like a building or vehicle. It is likely that some bees will enter with them, experts say, but most will be locked outside. People are advised not to swat the bees or flail their arms, because this could antagonize them and lead to a worse attack.
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Trump puts 'intern in charge' as 22-year-old former gardener takes top anti-terrorism job amid Iran bombing
A 22-year-old counterterrorism official's ability to help defend the U.S. amid heightened tensions with Iran has sparked new worries about the Trump administration's personnel decisions. Thomas Fugate, a former gardener and Trump campaign staffer who graduated college last year, is reportedly overseeing a main U.S. counterterrorism hub. He now holds the title of special assistant, effectively running the Department of Homeland Security's Center for Prevention Programs Partnerships, commonly referred to as CP3, ProPublica reported earlier this month. 'It sounds like putting the intern in charge,' a counterterrorism researcher with years of experience at CP3 told the outlet of the 22-year-old's growing influence. He was hired by DHS in February, according to his LinkedIn page. And as federal officials warn about the increased likelihood of a terror attack on the U.S. homeland after American strikes in Iran, Fugate's role is coming under scrutiny. Democratic Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy raised the Trump official's sparse resume in 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,' the senator noted. 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.' A spokesperson for DHS dodged the Daily Mail's questions about Fugate and declined to make him available for an interview, arguing that his hiring is part of broader personnel reforms within the department's counterterrorism program. 'Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, CP3 was weaponized against political opponents and its main purpose was to funnel money to progressive groups,' the spokesperson said. DHS has put out warnings that the U.S. homeland could be targeted in return for the American stealth bomber strike on Iran. Although there are 'no specific credible threats,' the department warned that low-level cyber attacks against U.S. networks are likely, as well as the possibility of 'sleeper cell' attacks.
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.
The Independent
22-06-2025
- 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.
