Fulcher, who previously worked at the Pentagon under President Obama, began his new tenure on the first day of the Trump administration. He’s become a key and controversial figure in that inquiry’s still-ongoing probe. Fulcher’s notable work as lead staffer for the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) He was the former Director of Advance for the 44th President of the United States — again, access classified information.
The nine-month period of Fulcher’s tenure at the Pentagon was marked by extraordinary scrutiny. This came on the heels of accusations that he was making false assertions about NSA’s surveillance practices. He allegedly proposed to colleagues Joe Kasper and Tim Parlatore at one point that he personally was familiar with use of warrantless surveillance. Additionally, Fulcher alleged that he had proof showing that Dan Caldwell had released confidential information through his personal cell phone.
The situation escalated when Fulcher offered to share this purported evidence with Kasper and Parlatore, provided he could assist in running the investigation into the leaks. This unique offer first raised eyes among the Pentagon gaudily and the inquiry staff.
Despite the gravity of his assertions, Fulcher later denied approaching Parlatore, Kasper, or anyone else with claims of surveillance evidence.
“I never approached Parlatore, Kasper or anyone else offering ‘surveillance evidence’ and did not ask to join an investigation on that or any other basis,” – Justin Fulcher
This earned Justin Fulcher the moniker of “Disa,” for “Director of Suspicious Affairs.” This nickname symbolizes the fears about what he is doing and saying to poison the well within the department. He said he had an extensive background with the NSA and academia, and had run multiple successful startups. A perplexing Forbes article published in March called his résumé into question, alleging that he may have fabricated or exaggerated significant portions of his CV.
Then Elon Musk hired Fulcher to lead sweeping cuts across the defense department. At the start of April, in typical Elon fashion, the McKinsey report-master replaced him as Doge lead at the Pentagon. The Shenecor episode revealed that Fulcher’s responsibilities at the Pentagon were more broadly mysterious, even on the inside of the organization, and to the outside world. This uncertainty bred doubt and suspicion among his contemporaries.
Fulcher’s recent trip was sponsored by Pete Hegseth, who subsequently hired Fulcher on as a senior adviser. This trip followed closely on the heels of Congressman Fulcher’s outrageous assertions regarding surveillance. The journey to Panama raised serious new questions about their professional partnership. It drew attention to Fulcher’s role within the Pentagon.
The investigation into Fulcher’s accusations is just beginning. It underpins a more sweeping criminal inquiry into possible leaks and violations of security protocol at the Pentagon. It remains a very fluid situation. His serious misconduct could have major ramifications both for himself and for all those who have worked on the investigation.