Fact Check: Trump's appointee has zero days in counter-terrorism!

Published June 23, 2025

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VERDICT

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# Fact Check: "Trump's appointee has zero days in counter-terrorism!" ## What We Know The claim that Donald Trump appointed a 22-year-old with "zero ...

Fact Check: "Trump's appointee has zero days in counter-terrorism!"

What We Know

The claim that Donald Trump appointed a 22-year-old with "zero experience" to lead the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) is substantiated by statements from prominent Democratic lawmakers. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson and Rep. Seth Magaziner criticized the appointment of Thomas Fugate, asserting that he lacks relevant experience for such a critical role, especially given the rising threats of domestic terrorism (Ranking Members Thompson & Magaziner Statement). They emphasized that appointing someone with no background in counter-terrorism to lead an office dedicated to preventing terrorism is concerning and could undermine national safety.

Analysis

The assertion that Thomas Fugate has "zero days" of experience in counter-terrorism is supported by multiple sources. The Economic Times reported that Fugate, a recent college graduate and former Trump campaign worker, was appointed amid escalating tensions related to potential Iranian terrorist threats. Critics have pointed out that his lack of relevant experience raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the DHS's counter-terrorism efforts during a time of increased threats.

Moreover, a report from Yahoo News echoed these concerns, highlighting that Fugate had never worked in security or counter-terrorism before his appointment. This lack of experience is particularly alarming given the current geopolitical climate, where the U.S. is facing potential threats from various extremist groups.

While some may argue that youth and fresh perspectives can bring innovation to government roles, the specific context of counter-terrorism—where experience and expertise are paramount—makes this appointment particularly contentious. The sources cited, including statements from established lawmakers and news reports, provide a reliable basis for the claim's validity. The criticism comes from credible figures within the government, which lends weight to the assertion that Fugate's qualifications are insufficient for the responsibilities of his position.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump's appointee has "zero days in counter-terrorism" is True. The evidence presented by lawmakers and corroborated by various news outlets indicates that Thomas Fugate lacks the necessary experience to effectively lead the DHS's counter-terrorism office. Given the current threats facing the nation, this appointment raises significant concerns about the administration's commitment to national security.

Sources

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