WASHINGTON — Three former Trump administration homeland security officials will join The Heritage Foundation as fellows in the Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy starting Feb. 1.
Chad Wolf, acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Ken Cuccinelli, deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Mark Morgan, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, will bring their policy expertise and first-hand knowledge to Heritage on a range of policy issues confronting America.
“With the addition of Chad Wolf, Ken Cuccinelli and Mark Morgan, Heritage has assembled an all-star team with significant policy expertise on issues related to homeland security, immigration and China,” said Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James. “Heritage was already a leading voice to shape these policy issues. We’re now taking our work to the next level as we confront an emboldened Biden administration that seeks to undo many of the accomplishments of the past four years.”
James thanked the three leaders for their public service and highlighted the expertise they bring to Heritage’s talented team.
In his role as a visiting fellow, Wolf will work on projects related to national security, China and cyber policy. He will provide insights on how the Chinese Communist Party impacts homeland security, including cybersecurity and trade, a topic he recently discussed at a Heritage Foundation event.
“Chad Wolf’s stellar leadership of the Department of Homeland Security during some of the most tumultuous events in our lifetimes was critical to maintaining America’s national security, defending the rule of law, and protecting our people,” James said. “Chad never flinched in the face of nationwide riots, increasing hostility from China, and other threats America continues to confront. He acted to secure our border and improve our immigration system to serve American interests first. Chad’s tenacious work left America better prepared, more secure, and a leader on humanitarian issues like fighting human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. His expertise will be an invaluable asset not only to Heritage, but to all Americans who believe that our homeland, our culture, our system of laws, and our shared national identity are worth defending and preserving.”
Cuccinelli, a visiting fellow, will focus on immigration, border security and share lessons learned from his work at the Department of Homeland Security. He will also provide insights on what immigration programs Chinese nationals use and exploit and recommendations on what the current administration should do to check the Chinese Communist Party.
“As director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Ken Cuccinelli brought greater integrity to our immigration system, including by combating asylum fraud and ensuring self-reliance among America’s immigrants,” James said. “After just a few months, President Trump tapped Ken to serve as deputy secretary of Homeland Security, where he continued reforming America’s immigration system; worked to combat the scourge of human trafficking; was actively involved in the vice president’s COVID Task Force; and oversaw the protection of federal personnel and facilities during last year’s civil unrest. Dedicated to ensuring America’s immigration system works for citizens and immigrants alike and standing up for the protection of the vulnerable, Ken is an outstanding addition to the Heritage team.”
Morgan, who also joins Heritage as a visiting fellow, brings 30 years of law enforcement experience to the organization. He will work on border, immigration and public safety policies as well as issues related to asylum and China.
“Mark Morgan is one of our country’s most knowledgeable leaders on immigration enforcement,” James said. “He brings a wealth of first-hand experience, having served in the Obama administration as chief of U.S. Border Patrol and later in the Trump administration as both acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Mark has demonstrated that common-sense solutions can reduce illegal immigration and improve our nation’s safety and security.”
Press inquiries and booking requests can be sent to John Cooper, Heritage associate director for institute communications, [email protected].
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