Former 22-Year-Old Grocery Store Worker Picked

Thomas Fugate, a 22-year-old recent college graduate with no known counterterrorism experience, has been appointed by the Trump administration to lead the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3). This office plays a central role in preventing hate-based violence and extremism. Fugate’s appointment came after the resignation of CP3’s former director, a seasoned Army veteran, and followed drastic staff cuts that reduced CP3’s team from 80 to under 20. His background includes work as a grocery clerk and gardener, and a stint as a special assistant in a DHS immigration office. Despite lacking a security background, Fugate is known for his deep political loyalty to Donald Trump, raising concerns that his appointment was driven more by allegiance than qualifications.

Critics suggest Fugate was placed in CP3 either to pad his résumé or act as a political “minder” to redirect the office’s focus toward border security. Since his appointment, CP3’s priorities have shifted, downplaying domestic extremism while emphasizing cartel threats. The administration’s decision to scale back terrorism prevention has drawn alarm, especially amid a rise in politically motivated attacks. Former officials warn that dismantling CP3’s infrastructure may leave the U.S. vulnerable and undermine trust in nonpartisan civil service roles.