Trump Reappoints Sebastian Gorka to Counterterrorism Role, Reviving Controversy

Gorka, ousted from Trump’s first administration, faces criticism over alleged ties to far-right groups and contentious views on Islam.

President-elect Donald Trump has named Sebastian Gorka as deputy assistant and senior director for counterterrorism in his second administration.
Gorka, a naturalized U.S. citizen born to Hungarian parents, previously served in Trump’s first administration but left following disagreements with then-Chief of Staff John Kelly.
Critics have raised concerns over Gorka’s alleged ties to Vitézi Rend, a Hungarian nationalist group linked to Nazi collaboration, though Gorka denies formal membership and claims the group honored his father for anti-communist resistance.
Gorka has faced backlash for controversial statements on Islam, including describing it as a violent ideology, and for downplaying the threat of white nationalism in the U.S.
Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton and Democratic leaders have condemned the appointment, questioning Gorka’s qualifications and suitability for the role.