Fresh-Faced 22-Year-Old Takes Charge of American Extremism Prevention
- Author: Niels Kruse
- Reading Time: ≈ 3 Min
Young Trump advocate, aged 22, serves as leader in American extremism deterrence efforts - Young Trump supporter, aged 22, leads U.S. RadicalismPrevention Efforts
With a graduation rocket emoji on LinkedIn, Thomas Fugate celebrated the end of his political science studies — just over a year ago. It was the fitting exclamation mark on his rapid ascent to the top: the twentysomething is now running the US terrorism prevention department.
"A Whiz Kid? Not Likely!"
Fugate's online photos reveal a young man who usually wears a star tie at Donald Trump events. "He's a whiz kid who might be perfect for the job," mused an experienced anti-terrorism pro to "Political Portal ProPublica," "but that's highly unlikely — like making an intern the boss."
Fugate certainly didn't waste time doing internships. He started his US Department of Homeland Security career in February of this year as a "special assistant." The department spokesperson spared no details about his successes and work ethic that led to his fast promotion.
Fugate Manages $18 Million Against Extremism
Before his meteoric rise, Fugate spent his time as a neighborhood gardener, supermarket helper, and general secretary at the Model United Nations Club, where students simulated the work of the United Nations. Now, the 22-year-old presides over a $18 million pot intended for projects preventing extremism and violence.
His department, the "Center for Prevention, Programs and Partnerships" (CP3), had around 80 employees until recently. Cuts reduced the staff to 20 civil servants, a number still struggling to catch up after a mountain of backlogged tasks that caused the departure of the previous chief, Bill Braniff, in March 2025. Braniff had recently pointed out that since 2020, almost $90 million had been allocated to help communities combat extremist violence[1].
CP3 Unresponsive to Queries
The Department of Homeland Security is currently headed by controversial far-right politician Kristi Noem, who took over after Donald Trump's election victory. She runs the agency with an iron fist and monitors her own employees with lie detector tests, officially to prevent corruption.
"ProPublica," who first reported on Fugate's appointment, couldn't reach anyone from CP3 for comment. "No answers were found in attempts to speak with CP3 employees. 'Silence can be risky,' the portal said. Those who spoke out only did so under the condition of anonymity, fearing reprisals from the Trump administration, according to 'ProPublica'.
Fugate's Instagram account, made public, reveals a 13-year-old's political awakening: he saw a man with the power to transform a generation without hope, chances, and luck — Donald Trump[4]. Since then, Fugate referred to himself as a "Trumplican" — a play on words between Trump and Republican, the president's party.
Why Does Donald Trump Need a 22-Year-Old?
While Fugate's political leanings might explain his quick ascent, the reasons behind his appointment to this critical position remain unclear to CP3 employees. One theory suggests that the Trump administration sought to reward a young campaign aid with a position that had little influence or importance[4]. Another theory posits that Fugate is more of a babysitter, overseeing the winding down of CP3[4].
References:1. "ProPublica."2. "Economic Times."3. "Daily Beast."4. [Enrichment Data] Thomas Fugate, a recent college graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio, was appointed to lead the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), which oversees the government's main hub for terrorism prevention and a significant grant program aimed at combating violent extremism[1][3]. Fugate graduated in 2024 with a degree in politics and law and had previously worked as an intern at the conservative Heritage Foundation and on the Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign[3]. Prior to this appointment, his professional background mainly entailed positions as a landscaper, grocery store worker, and leadership roles in Model United Nations[1][3]. He replaced Bill Braniff, a veteran with over 20 years of experience in national security, leading to widespread criticism and concern among counterterrorism experts and nonprofit organizations funded by CP3[1][4]. Critics argue that Fugate's appointment reflects the Trump administration's broader efforts to shift the focus of national security agencies toward immigration enforcement and partisan priorities, potentially sidelining CP3's original mission to prevent hate-fueled violence and domestic extremism[1][3][4]. The administration has defended the decision, citing Fugate's work ethic and performance[3][4][5]. [1] "ProPublica." [2] "Economic Times." [3] "Daily Beast." [4] [Enrichment Data]
- Despite his rapid rise in the Department of Homeland Security, Thomas Fugate's appointment to lead the Center for Prevention, Programs and Partnerships (CP3) has raised concerns among counterterrorism experts and nonprofit organizations.
- Some believe the Trump administration may have appointed Fugate, a young college graduate with a degree in politics and law, to reward a campaign aid with a position of little influence or importance.
- Others suggest that Fugate might be more of a babysitter, overseeing the winding down of CP3, rather than focusing on education-and-self-development, career-development, general-news, war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, politics, or crime-and-justice.
- Fugate's political leanings, evident on his Instagram account, may have played a role in his quick ascent, but the reasons behind his appointment to this critical position remain unclear.
