Recent reports have sparked concerns about Fugate’s appointment to a national security position, as his LinkedIn profile reveals a lack of relevant experience in national security or counterterrorism.
According to his account, Fugate worked as a “cross-functional team member” at H-E-B, a supermarket in Austin, as recently as August 2023. In this role, he described performing a range of duties across the store, focusing on operations rather than any security-related work.
Before his time at H-E-B, Fugate was a self-employed “Landscape Business Owner” in 2020, where his tasks included basic yard maintenance like mowing, weed-whacking, and debris cleanup.
His professional background is further supplemented by a four-month internship in 2023 at the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, which is known for its controversial Project 2025 proposal aimed at overhauling the U.S. federal government.
Fugate’s Unexpected Rise to Leadership
Despite his relatively unremarkable professional background, a senior official at the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnership has praised Fugate for his success, noting that he was temporarily assigned additional leadership responsibilities due to his perceived strong work ethic.
The official stated that his success in his job warranted these additional duties, yet it has left some wondering whether Fugate is truly ready for the national security role.
Growing Concerns Among Counterterrorism Experts
The appointment has raised eyebrows among counterterrorism experts, who worry about Fugate’s lack of experience in national security or counterterrorism. One researcher, speaking to ProPublica, expressed doubts about Fugate’s qualifications, stating, “Maybe he’s a wunderkind.
Maybe he’s Doogie Howser and has everything at 21 years old, or whatever he is, to lead the office. But that’s not likely the case.” The researcher likened Fugate’s rise to putting an intern in charge, raising questions about the appropriateness of his appointment for such a sensitive role.