Michael Duffin Advocates for Feds
They cut out the heart of the civil service. We're dangerously unprepared for these threats.
When Michael Duffin received an invite for a 15-minute meeting titled "Update on the Reorganization," he never suspected it would mark an early end to his 12-year career in the State Department's Bureau of Counterterrorism. Michael joined the State Department in 2013 and later helped stand up the Office of Countering Violent Extremism (CT/CVE), which led the Department's international engagement and assistance efforts to prevent violent extremists and their supporters from radicalizing, recruiting, or inspiring individuals or groups to commit acts of violence. Michael's layoff was part of a wider 'Reduction-in-Force' that impacted over 1,107 State Department employees and eliminated the effort to counter violent extremism across multiple federal agencies.
Since leaving federal service, Michael has taken up the fight for former feds by running for Congress in Virginia's 8th District. Michael dedicated his campaign to public service and vowed to prioritize the reinstatement of all feds. He also pledged not to accept corporate donations or trade stocks while in office. As a result, Michael faces a huge battle on the campaign trail, but he remains committed to memorializing this moment in time and spreading the message that feds matter, and they're worth fighting for.
Learn more about Michael's campaign on his website and follow him on LinkedIn.
Dangerously Unprepared
As summer approaches, Michael also warned that the US is dangerously unprepared for the upcoming World Cup events and America 250 celebrations. The State Department lost over a quarter of its staff between January 2025 and January 2026, including decades of experienced leadership. Without offices like CT/CVE, the US has likely lost much of its ability to engage with the thousands of visiting foreign diplomats, all of whom have their own unique threats to consider when traveling in the United States.
This is in addition to the millions of potential foreign visitors attending World Cup events across North America. In addition to the usual challenges with securing such a large series of events, the most critical vulnerability is the extreme lack of trust currently existing between communities and the federal government—particularly the Department of Homeland Security.
In counterterrorism, the last line of prevention lies with community members spotting anomalies at large gatherings and trusting authorities enough to report them. With that trust compromised, the risk of unmitigated threats grows more dangerous. If you become aware of a potential threat far enough in advance, consider alternative crisis response services, such as the 988 Lifeline.
For those attending World Cup events and similar large gatherings, it's as important as ever to notify authorities when something seems out of place. If you're hesitant about notifying federal law enforcement, contact local law enforcement or event security. Maintain awareness of emergency exit locations, and consider wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Community Event Planning
If you will be hosting a large gathering for a special event, start planning your security strategy early. Ensure security personnel are prominently stationed at entrance and exit points, have received training on how to screen guests for weapons, and know what to do in the event of an emergency. Ensure your security teams know how to identify themselves to law enforcement to avoid potentially dangerous miscommunication.
Consider how guests will enter and exit your event and what dangers they may face as they come and go. Avoid creating choke points that may create targets outside of your security perimeter. Provide instructions to your guests in advance for how they can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Ensure first aid stations are stocked, clearly marked, and communicate their locations to guests and staff.
Seek professional assistance, plan for the unexpected, and most importantly: Have fun!
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Learn about Michael's campaign.
Seek alternative crisis resolution services.
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