Donald Trump’s former national security advisor John Bolton has strongly criticized the appointment of Sebastian Gorka as deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism.
Bolton labeled Gorka a “con man” and called for a “full FBI field background investigation” into his credentials during an appearance on CNN Friday, shortly after Trump announced the nomination.
Gorka previously served as deputy assistant to the president for seven months during Trump’s first administration, from January to August 2017. His return to the administration comes amid a turbulent week for Trump’s cabinet picks, including Matt Gaetz withdrawing his name from attorney general consideration and the nomination of hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as treasury secretary.
Bolton Questions Gorka’s Credentials
Speaking to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Bolton expressed grave concerns about Gorka’s suitability for the counterterrorism role.
“Sebastian Gorka is a con man. I wouldn’t have him in any U.S. government,” Bolton said. “It’s not the highest position he had been mentioned for, but this doesn’t bode well for counterterrorism efforts when the senior director is someone like him.”
Bolton stressed the importance of vetting lower-level appointments, adding, “We’re all focused on the top jobs, but the deputies and undersecretaries tell us who’s actually running the government.”
Concerns Over Loyalty and Competence
When asked why he called Gorka a “con man,” Bolton pointed to inconsistencies in Gorka’s educational claims and other background issues. “He needs a full FBI field background investigation,” Bolton stated. “He owes his position purely to Donald Trump. He doesn’t display loyalty; he displays fealty. And that’s what Trump wants.”
Bolton’s remarks reflect his growing criticism of Trump since leaving the administration after a 17-month tenure. In February, Bolton warned that Trump’s re-election would lead to “celebrations in the Kremlin.” He was also highly critical of Matt Gaetz’s attorney general nomination, calling it “the worst nomination for a cabinet secretary in American history.”
Gorka’s Controversial Background
Sebastian Gorka’s career in Trump’s first administration ended in August 2017, shortly after the ousting of his ally, Steve Bannon. Gorka blamed his departure on internal opposition to Trump’s “MAGA promise,” citing “forces” within the White House that did not fully support the president’s agenda.
In announcing Gorka’s nomination, Trump described him as a “tireless advocate for the America First Agenda and the MAGA Movement,” emphasizing that Gorka is a “legal immigrant” born in Britain to Hungarian parents. Gorka’s return to the administration has sparked renewed scrutiny of his qualifications and controversial past.
Broader Implications for Trump’s Administration
The nomination comes during a pivotal moment for Trump’s transition team as they assemble key personnel for his second term. Critics like Bolton argue that Gorka’s appointment reflects a troubling pattern of prioritizing loyalty over competence. Meanwhile, supporters of the MAGA movement have hailed Gorka’s return as a continuation of Trump’s commitment to the America First agenda.
Trump’s transition team and Gorka did not immediately respond to Newsweek’s requests for comment.
As Trump continues to finalize his cabinet, Gorka’s nomination highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding the administration’s personnel decisions and the ongoing debate over qualifications versus ideological alignment.
