A former national security adviser to Donald Trump has issued a sharp rebuke to Sebastian Gorka, Trump’s chosen counterterrorism chief in his new cabinet.
In a scathing critique, John Bolton labeled Gorka a “con artist,” arguing that his appointment is the “worst Cabinet appointment in recent American history” and a poor choice for the National Security Council’s efforts to effectively combat terrorism.
Speak with CNNBolton didn’t hesitate and said, “I wouldn’t want him in any American government.”
Bolton’s criticism reflects concerns about Gorka’s qualifications and suitability for a senior role in national security and calls for more investigation into Gorka’s background.
“He needs a full background check from the FBI,” Bolton said, adding that there are questions about Gorka’s academic credentials and that it “doesn’t bode well for counterterrorism efforts if the [national security council’s] senior director is such a person’.
“I think he’s a perfect example of someone who owes his position purely to Donald Trump,” Bolton explained.
‘He shows no loyalty. He shows loyalty. And that’s what Trump wants. He doesn’t want Gorka’s opinion, he wants Gorka to say yes sir, Bolton said.
Critics argue that this preference for unconditional loyalty over expertise could have serious consequences for national security.
Former Donald Trump national security adviser John Bolton has issued a sharp rebuke of Sebastian Gorka, Trump’s chosen counterterrorism chief in his new cabinet
Trump has said he chose Gorka, saying he has more than three decades of national security experience and describing him as a “tireless advocate for the America First Agenda and the MAGA movement.”
Bolton’s words are of great importance because he served in several Republican administrations, including under Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and during Trump’s first term.
Trump has claimed he chose Gorka because he had more than 30 years of national security experience. He describes him as a “tireless advocate for the America First Agenda and the MAGA movement.”
Gorka, a British-Hungarian-American, spent less than a year in Trump’s first White House but was an outspoken supporter of Trump’s “America First” agenda.
But he has also faced significant controversy over his past statements and actions.
Gorka has been accused of Islamophobia for supporting Trump’s 2017 travel ban, which restricted entry to the US for visitors from several predominantly Muslim countries, including Iran, Libya and Syria.
Gorka, who is outspokenly pro-Israel and supports Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has also publicly claimed that “Islam is not a religion of peace.”
Further criticism stems from Gorka’s association with the Hungarian nationalist organization Vitézi Rend.
He attended Trump’s inaugural ball in 2017 and wore an honorary medal from the group, which has faced accusations of ties to far-right ideologies.
Gorka has been a strong supporter of Trump both inside and outside his administration. He is seen here outside Manhattan Criminal Court in New York in May this year
Bolton’s words are of great importance because he served in several Republican administrations, including under Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and during Trump’s first term. Pictured, June 2018
He attended Trump’s inaugural ball in 2017 and wore an honorary medal from the group, which has faced accusations of ties to far-right ideologies.
Gorka also previously served as an adviser to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a controversial leader known for his authoritarian policies.
In a second interview, this time NewsNationBolton also compared Gorka unfavorably to other controversial Trump appointees.
Bolton said that until Gorka’s appointment, he would have considered the proposed appointment of former Democrat and Iraq veteran Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence as the “worst Cabinet appointment in recent American history.”
Bolton is not the only one to disapprove of Gorka’s appointment.
Democratic National Committee spokesman Alex Floyd also described Gorka as “a far-right extremist who is as dangerous as he is unqualified to lead America’s counterterrorism strategy.”