Sebastian Gorka, the controversial counter-terrorism aide to President Trump, was ousted from his White House post Friday, a spokesman said.
“(He) did not resign, but I can confirm he no longer works at the White House,” the White House said in a statement.
Earlier reports said Gorka quit, and the Federalist, a right-wing news site, quoted a letter suggesting Gorka resigned in disgust at the current state of the Trump administration.
“Forces that do not support the (Make America Great Again) promise are – for now – ascendant within the White House,” Gorka was quoted as saying in the letter, referring to Trump’s campaign slogan.
Gorka is a far right-wing figure and fierce critic of Islam whose main ally in the White House was Steve Bannon. When Bannon quit last week, Gorka was left isolated.
He cited Trump’s speech on Afghanistan as evidence that the White House had softened its tone on radical Islamic terrorism.
“A crucial element of your presidential campaign has been lost,” he wrote.
The Forward exclusively reported that Gorka was a sworn member of a far right-wing Hungarian group that was allied to the Nazis in World War II. He wore a medal from the group and used symbols associated with it. He denied being a formal member of the group although he has said it was a legitimate nationalist organization.—With Reuters
Author
Dave Goldiner
Dave Goldiner is the Forward’s director of digital media. Dave is a veteran journalist who has spent two decades working at newspapers in the United States and Africa. A native New Yorker, Goldiner wrote for the New York Daily News, where he covered some of the biggest stories of our time, including the attacks of September 11, along with thousands of stories of hope and heartbreak. He also studied and worked in Southern Africa and has written for publications in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He holds masters degrees in journalism and public administration from Columbia University. Dave can be reached at goldiner@forward.com, or follow him on Twitter @davegoldiner
Sebastian Gorka Is Ousted From White House — Fires Angry Salvo At Enemies