Summary

The Trump administration appointed 22-year-old Thomas Fugate, one year out of college and with no apparent national security expertise, as interim head of DHS’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), raising alarm among experts.

CP3, once focused on preventing extremism and violence, has seen deep staff cuts and a shift in priorities toward immigration.

Fugate, a loyal Trump campaigner, replaces Army veteran Bill Braniff. Critics call his appointment symbolic of political cronyism and institutional erosion.

Amid rising extremist attacks, DHS proposes ending CP3’s $18M grant program, despite official claims prevention work continues.