Former National Security Adviser John Bolton on Friday accused Sebastian Gorka of being a “fraud” after the latter selected him to lead the country's counterterrorism efforts for a second term. did.
“Well, Sebastian Gorka is a fraud. I wouldn't want him in any U.S. government,” Bolton said. said CNN's Caitlan Collins asked about the choice. “Fortunately, this is not the highest-ranking position he was mentioned in. But I don't think this bodes well for counterterrorism efforts.” [National Security Council’s] A senior director is like that. ”
“And this is obviously why everyone is focused on the top job right now,” he said on “The Source” in an interview Friday. “But the question of who is the deputy secretary and who is the deputy secretary will tell you a lot about who is actually running the government.”
His comments came just hours after President Trump appointed Gorka as deputy chief of staff and senior counterterrorism director. The president-elect praised his former aide as “a tireless champion of the America First Agenda and the MAGA movement.”
Mr. Bolton, a vocal critic of Mr. Trump, has not been shy about criticizing his former boss's cabinet and top administration appointments.
After the president-elect announced his choice of former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence, he called the nomination one of his worst ever. However, he changed his mind after President Trump nominated former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to head the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“Up until a few hours ago, you could say this was the worst Cabinet change in recent American history,” said Bolton, a defense hawk. Gabbard said: He spoke in an interview on NewsNation's “The Hill” last week. “Of course, ever since Matt Gaetz was drafted, he's clearly led the way in that score.”
Gaetz later withdrew from consideration, and Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi in his place.
In an interview with CNN on Friday, Mr. Bolton argued that it was necessary to investigate Mr. Gorka's “credential claims” and theorize that he was chosen for the post because he showed “loyalty” to the president-elect.
“He needs a full background check by the FBI, including on claims about his educational background,” Bolton told Collins. “He is a perfect example of someone who is in his position purely because of Donald Trump. I think he doesn't show loyalty. And that's what President Trump wants.
“He doesn't want Gorka's opinion. He wants Mr. Gorka to say, 'Yes, sir.'” I am completely confident,” he added.
The former national security adviser had previously called for investigations into Gaetz and Gabbard before they were confirmed by the Senate.
The Hill has reached out to Trump's transition team for comment.
