A division within the Department of Homeland Security tasked with preventing terrorism is being led by a 22-year-old recent college graduate.
Thomas Fugate, who graduated magna cum laude with a degree in politics and law from the University of Texas at San Antonio a year ago, is now spearheading the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships at DHS, ProPublica reported Tuesday.
The center, also known as CP3, is mainly concerned with terrorism prevention and supports nationwide efforts to combat targeted attacks like hate-fueled violence.
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“CP3 strengthens our country’s ability to prevent targeted violence and terrorism nationwide through funding, education, training, evidence-based resources, increased public awareness, and strategic partnerships across every level of government, the private sector, and in local communities,” reads the center’s mission statement on its website.
Fugate was appointed as a “special assistant” in an immigration office at the DHS in February, according to ProPublica. He then assumed leadership of CP3 in May after its previous director, Bill Braniff, resigned following staff cuts, the outlet adds.
Prior to assuming his role at the DHS, Fugate served as an “advance team member” on President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, according to his LinkedIn page. He also interned at several political organizations including The Heritage Foundation, widely known as the think tank behind Project 2025, and the Texas House of Representatives.
A DHS agency official told ProPublica that Fugate was “temporarily” offered a leadership role at CP3 for his “work ethic and success.”
“Due to his success, he has been temporarily given additional leadership responsibilities in the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships office,” the official told the outlet in an email. “This is a credit to his work ethic and success on the job.”
DHS did not immediately respond to The Daily Beast’s request for comment.
One counterterrorism researcher, who worked with CP3 officials for years, told ProPublica that Fugate’s appointment “sounds like putting the intern in charge.”
“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,” the anonymous researcher said.
The office once employed about 80 employees but now has fewer than 20 following staffing cuts, former employees told ProPublica.
