After the Department of Homeland Security warned that “the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to US-based individuals plotting additional attacks,” Rachel Maddow used her Monday monologue to take a closer look at the members of the Trump administration who could be responsible for responding to such a threat.
After noting several high-level national security exits that have taken place since Donald Trump returned to the White House, including the departures of the heads of the national security branch and counterterrorism division at the FBI, Maddow pointed out that “there is at least one senior counterterrorism position in the United States government that has been definitively and deliberately filled by this president.”
This is your government under Trump-Republican leadership.
rachel maddow
In May, Trump selected Thomas Fugate to lead DHS’ Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, putting him in charge of overseeing the government’s main hub for terrorism prevention.
But Maddow was clearly not impressed with Fugate’s résumé:
“One year out of college with no evident national security experience whatsoever,” she said. “Before volunteering for the Trump campaign, his LinkedIn page reportedly explains that his work experience includes ‘lawn care work around my neighborhood.’ Also, working part time as a clerk at an H-E-B supermarket. …
“He also apparently once had an internship at The Heritage Foundation. … And, according to a recent ProPublica profile of this young man … ‘the bulk of [his] leadership experience comes from having served as secretary-general of a Model United Nations club.’”
Maddow summed up Trump’s baffling pick this way: “A lawn boy and Model U.N. kid has been appointed to lead counterterrorism.”
Maddow also highlighted several high-profile acts of violence that have taken place recently in the U.S., such as the April arson attack targeting Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania; the killings of two employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., last month; and the shootings involving Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota, which left two people dead and two others injured, earlier this month. “So it’s not like domestic counterterrorism is a niche concern in America right now, even before the new and explicit warning about potential revenge inside this country for Trump’s decision to bomb Iran,” Maddow pointed out. She added: “In every element of its responsibility to keep the American people safe, the U.S. government under Donald Trump is, I guess, doing the best they’re capable of — this is the best they can do. This is your government under Trump-Republican leadership. Working to keep you safe.” Watch Maddow’s full takedown of Fugate in the clip at the top. After noting several high-level national security exits that have taken place since Donald Trump returned to the White House, including the departures of the heads of the national security branch and counterterrorism division at the FBI, Maddow pointed out that “there is at least one senior counterterrorism position in the United States government that has been definitively and deliberately filled by this president.”
Allison Detzel is an editor/producer for MS NOW.
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