Trump’s shocking pick: Thomas Fugate, 22-year-old ex-gardener, now leads US anti-terror efforts as US bombs Iran

The U.S. President Donald Trump has shocked many by choosing 22-year-old Thomas Fugate, who used to be a gardener and grocery store clerk, to lead a top U.S. anti-terrorism office. This surprise decision comes just as America bombed Iran’s nuclear sites and faces threats of revenge.

The U.S. recently bombed three nuclear sites in Iran. After this, Iran threatened to take revenge. Right when things are getting tense, Trump picked a 22-year-old to lead a key U.S. terrorism prevention program. The person Trump picked is Thomas Fugate.

Who is Thomas Fugate?

Thomas Fugate now works at the Department of Homeland Security and leads the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, the U.S. office focused on stopping terrorism before it happens. Senator Chris Murphy strongly criticized Trump’s choice. Murphy said Fugate is just 22 years old, with his past jobs being landscaping and working as a grocery store clerk.


The senator said, "He never worked a day in counter-terrorism, but he’s a big Trump fan, so he got the job." ProPublica, a news outlet, looked into Fugate’s background and found his resume is very weak for this role. Fugate got this top job in May, right after the previous head of CP3, William Braniff, resigned.

Braniff is a respected Army veteran with over 20 years of national security experience, he left because of Trump’s cuts to the program. Fugate’s LinkedIn page says he did “lawn care around the neighborhood” and worked part-time at H-E-B supermarket. A counterterrorism researcher, who has worked with CP3 for years, said, “It sounds like putting the intern in charge.”

The expert joked that Fugate might be like Doogie Howser, but said he’s probably not ready for such a big job. With Iran making serious threats, many people think it’s risky to give this important role to someone so young with no experience.

FAQs

Q1. What job did Fugate get?
Thomas Fugate now leads the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), a division of Homeland Security that works to stop terrorism before it happens.

Q2. Why did the last CP3 head quit?
William Braniff, a security expert and Army veteran, resigned after Trump cut funding to the program.