22-year-old leads terrorism prevention with no experience

In 2024, Thomas Fugate was appointed to a prominent role within the Department of Homeland Security, specifically as the head of the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships. This shift has raised concerns given Fugate's age and lack of experience in national security or counterterrorism efforts. Prior to his appointment, he had only graduated from college with a degree in politics and worked as a campaign intern for Trump, as well as at the right-wing Heritage Foundation, suggesting his political affiliations greatly influenced his selection for this critical position. Under his leadership, the department oversees an $18 million grant program aimed at helping local communities combat violent extremism, amidst a backdrop of several high-profile violent incidents that have raised alarms among national security experts. Critics have described this appointment as 'reckless,' suggesting that the administration is moving away from its original counterterrorism mission and prioritizing immigration issues instead. The alarming rise in domestic attacks, such as a car bombing in California and attacks on Israeli Embassy aides, have intensified scrutiny of Fugate’s capabilities. Experts argue that the administration's focus on immigration rather than terrorism prevention threatens to undermine efforts to address domestic extremism. The future of the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships remains uncertain, particularly regarding the grant program, which has been recommended for elimination, signaling a potential departure from its foundational mission to prevent terrorism within the United States.