Fact Check: Trump's New Homeland Security Council Includes Rudy Giuliani and Right-Wing Commentators
What We Know
On June 24, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the appointments to a new advisory council within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This council, known as the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), includes prominent figures such as Rudy Giuliani, a former attorney for Trump, and Mark Levin, a right-wing political commentator. According to CNN, the council aims to provide "real-time, real-world and independent advice on homeland security operations." Other notable appointments include Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign adviser, and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who will chair the council. The council is described as "America First" and is expected to draw from a diverse pool of public and private sector experiences to support Trump's agenda (DHS).
Analysis
The claim that Trump's new Homeland Security Council includes Rudy Giuliani and right-wing commentators is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. CNN reported on the council's formation and the names of its members, confirming the inclusion of Giuliani and Levin (CNN). Additionally, the DHS press release explicitly lists these individuals as part of the advisory council, which underscores the credibility of the information (DHS).
The sources used in this fact-check are credible, with CNN being a well-established news organization and the DHS being a government entity. Both sources provide consistent information regarding the council's composition and purpose. However, it is important to note that the term "right-wing commentators" could be seen as subjective. While Levin is widely recognized as a right-wing commentator, the characterization of Giuliani may vary based on political perspectives. Nevertheless, his association with Trump and his actions during the 2020 election lend credence to this classification.
Furthermore, the announcement's contextโcoming from Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noemโadds a layer of authority to the claims made about the council's members and its intended direction (CNN, DHS).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that Trump's new Homeland Security Council includes Rudy Giuliani and right-wing commentators is accurate. The evidence from credible sources confirms the appointments and provides context for the council's formation and objectives.