Bolton is fuming!
John Bolton, former national security adviser under President Trump, recently criticized Sebastian Gorka after the president-elect announced him as his pick to lead counterterrorism efforts in his second term. Bolton, who has been a vocal critic of both Trump and his allies, took aim at Gorka’s qualifications and his role in the upcoming administration.
In a blunt interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Bolton described Gorka as a “con man” and expressed concerns about his appointment to a senior position in national security. “I wouldn’t have him in any U.S. government,” Bolton remarked. “It’s not the highest position he’d been considered for, but having someone like him in a role overseeing counterterrorism is troubling.” Bolton went on to emphasize that personnel appointments lower down the chain of command, such as deputy secretaries and undersecretaries, would provide further insight into the direction the administration is headed.
Bolton’s remarks came shortly after Trump named Gorka to serve as deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism. The president-elect praised Gorka as a “tireless advocate” for the “America First” agenda, signaling his continued loyalty to Trump’s priorities. Despite Bolton’s criticism, the appointment underscores Gorka’s close ties to Trump, who values loyalty and unwavering support from his allies.
Bolton, known for his hardline foreign policy stance, has been a consistent critic of Trump’s cabinet picks, having previously slammed other appointments such as former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence. Bolton also suggested that Gorka’s educational background should be investigated, questioning the legitimacy of his credentials and insinuating that Gorka’s position was awarded not on merit, but on his loyalty to Trump.
“They want someone who will say ‘Yes, sir,’” Bolton said, underscoring his belief that Gorka’s appointment was driven by political allegiance rather than expertise.
Bolton’s comments reflect a broader concern about the future of U.S. foreign policy and national security under a second Trump administration, particularly if appointments continue to prioritize loyalty over experience or qualifications. For many Republicans, these debates are crucial as they weigh the administration’s direction on national security, counterterrorism, and the broader global stage.