Sebastian Gorka, the British-born firebrand whose combative style and hardline views have made him both a conservative media star and a controversial figure in national security circles, is set for an unexpected return to the White House under President-elect Trump.
This past Friday, Trump named Gorka as his incoming administration's counter-terrorism chief at the National Security Council, which doesn't require Senate confirmation.
Born in London to Hungarian parents who fled Soviet rule, Gorka's journey to the heights of American politics reads like a political thriller. With a Ph.D. in political science from Budapest's Corvinus University and a reputation for hawkish views on Islamic terrorism, he first caught Trump's attention during the 2016 campaign through his frequent Fox News appearances.
His first White House stint in 2017 was brief but memorable. As Deputy Assistant to the President, Gorka became known for his confrontational media appearances defending Trump's travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries. His aggressive style made him a lightning rod for criticism, particularly from national security experts who questioned his credentials.
After leaving the White House under disputed circumstances - some say he resigned, others say he was forced out - Gorka reinvented himself as a conservative media personality. His radio show and regular appearances on Fox News and Newsmax helped maintain his profile among Trump's base, where he's viewed as a stalwart defender of "America First" policies.
Critics note his controversial past, including ties to far-right Hungarian groups and disputed claims about his counterterrorism expertise. Supporters counter that his immigrant background and vocal advocacy for strong borders make him uniquely qualified to shape policy.
Now, as he prepares to return as senior director for counterterrorism, Gorka faces the challenge of translating his media persona into effective policy-making. Whether he can avoid the pitfalls that shortened his first White House tenure remains to be seen.
One thing about Gorka, he ins't scared to call it as he sees it. Just listen to what he said in an interview with Ashkan Rattansi:
"There isn't any genocide in Gaza. [In fact] the word 'Palestinian' was invented by the Roman Empire to insult Jews. The United Nations is a clown show, really. As far as I'm concerned, the United Nations could be pushed into the Hudson. What have they done to solve anything of late?"
Strong words, indeed.