Special Poll
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Sebastian Gorka as a key figure in counterterrorism efforts. In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Bolton referred to Gorka as a “con man” and expressed his concerns about his suitability for the role. “I wouldn’t have him in any U.S. government,” Bolton stated. “Fortunately, it’s not the highest position he had been mentioned for, but I don’t think it’s going to bode well for counterterrorism efforts when the National Security Council’s senior director is somebody like that.”
Bolton emphasized the importance of not only focusing on top-level appointments but also paying attention to the selection of deputy secretaries and undersecretaries. He suggested that these positions are crucial for understanding who will actually be running the government. His remarks came shortly after Trump announced Gorka’s appointment as a deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism. The president-elect praised Gorka as a “tireless advocate for the America First Agenda and the MAGA Movement.”
A vocal critic of Trump’s administration picks, Bolton has not held back in expressing his disapproval of several nominees. After Trump selected former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence, Bolton labeled the nomination as one of the worst yet. However, when former Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida was nominated to lead the Department of Justice, Bolton revised his assessment. “Up until a few hours ago, I would have said that was the worst Cabinet appointment in recent American history,” he remarked about Gabbard’s nomination. “Of course, since Matt Gaetz’s nomination, he clearly has taken the lead on that score.”
Matt Gaetz has since withdrawn from consideration, and Trump has nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the position instead.
During his CNN interview, Bolton also questioned Gorka’s educational background and suggested that a comprehensive FBI background investigation is necessary. He theorized that Gorka’s appointment was based on his unwavering allegiance to the president-elect rather than his qualifications. “He doesn’t display loyalty. He displays fealty. And that’s what Trump wants,” Bolton said. “He doesn’t want Gorka’s opinions. He wants Gorka to say, ‘Yes, sir.’ And I am fully confident that’s exactly what will happen no matter what it is Trump says.”
Bolton has previously called for investigations into both Gaetz and Gabbard before any potential confirmation proceedings in the Senate.