Trump appoints 22-year-old to lead U.S. anti-terror efforts amid Iran crisis

In a move that has stunned national security experts and lawmakers alike, President Donald Trump has appointed 22-year-old Thomas Fugate — a former grocery store clerk and neighborhood landscaper — to lead a key U.S. counter-terrorism initiative just days after launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Fugate now heads the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), a branch of the Department of Homeland Security tasked with preventing terrorist activity before it materializes. His sudden promotion comes at a critical juncture: tensions in the Middle East have soared after the U.S. targeted three nuclear sites in Iran, and Iranian officials have vowed retaliation.

The appointment replaces William Braniff, a respected Army veteran and national security expert with over two decades of experience. Braniff resigned in May, reportedly in protest of funding cuts to CP3 under Trump’s administration. Just weeks later, Fugate — who has no formal background in counter-terrorism — was tapped to fill the void.

Fugate’s résumé has sparked widespread disbelief. According to a report by ProPublica, his previous work experience includes part-time shifts at a Texas-based H-E-B grocery store and offering lawn care services in his neighborhood. His LinkedIn profile lacks any professional credentials related to homeland security, intelligence, or law enforcement.

“He never worked a day in counter-terrorism, but he’s a big Trump fan, so he got the job,” said Senator Chris Murphy, one of the most vocal critics of the appointment. “This is not just unqualified — it’s dangerous.”

A longtime counter-terrorism researcher familiar with CP3, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the decision as “like putting the intern in charge.” The researcher sarcastically likened Fugate to “Doogie Howser,” the fictional teenage doctor, but added, “Except this is real life, and the stakes are much higher.”

Fugate’s role is not symbolic. CP3 plays a crucial part in identifying and disrupting radicalization efforts in communities across the U.S. The agency partners with local law enforcement and community organizations to address early warning signs of domestic and international extremism.

The timing of the appointment has raised particular concern. Iran has responded aggressively to the recent U.S. strikes, threatening to target American assets worldwide. Analysts warn that assigning such a sensitive leadership position to someone lacking even entry-level counter-terrorism credentials could undermine national security efforts at a perilous moment.

The White House has not formally commented on the backlash. However, administration sources suggest that Fugate’s loyalty to Trump and alignment with the president’s political messaging were key factors in his elevation.

Critics say the move reflects a broader pattern within the Trump administration of sidelining career experts in favor of political loyalists, regardless of qualifications. “This is part of a dangerous trend,” said a former senior DHS official. “We’re not just talking about inexperience — we’re talking about putting lives at risk.”

As the situation with Iran continues to escalate, all eyes will be on whether the CP3, under Fugate’s leadership, can function effectively during a period of intense geopolitical instability. For now, the decision has left many in Washington asking the same question: is this really the moment to gamble on inexperience?