Overview

• Thomas Fugate assumed leadership of the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships in May after career national security official William Braniff resigned over staffing cuts.
• Fugate’s background includes internships at the Heritage Foundation, work on President Trump’s campaign, and part-time roles as a landscaper and grocery clerk.
• Senator Chris Murphy and counterterrorism experts have sharply criticized the appointment, highlighting Fugate’s lack of any prior counterterrorism or law enforcement experience.
• The role’s importance has intensified as the U.S. prepares for potential retaliatory terrorist attacks following military strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
• DHS leadership has downplayed CP3’s influence, describing its office as playing an insignificant and ineffective part in the department’s overall counterterrorism strategy.