Former US national security adviser criticizes Trump’s ‘conman’ counterterrorism appointee
John Bolton stated he ‘wouldn’t have him in any US government,’ adding: ‘I think he is a perfect example of somebody who owes his position purely to Donald Trump’
John Bolton, who served as national security advisor during Donald Trump’s first term as US president, criticized Sebastian Gorka, the president-elect’s newly announced “conman” appointee to lead counterterrorism efforts.
Bolton’s remarks to CNN followed Trump’s announcement that Gorka, who briefly served as a deputy advisor during Trump’s first term, would take on the role of senior director for counterterrorism.
Bolton said he “wouldn’t have him in any US government.”
He added that Gorka’s appointment would not bode well for counterterrorism efforts, though he was relieved that Gorka was not given a higher-ranking position.
Bolton alleged that Trump chose Gorka not for his qualifications but for his willingness to comply unquestioningly.
“I think he is a perfect example of somebody who owes his position purely to Donald Trump,” he said.
Bolton previously criticized Trump’s other appointments, including his nomination of former congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general, which Bolton described as “the worst decision Trump has ever made.”
Gaetz faced allegations of paying two women for sex, engaging in relations with a minor and drug use.
Following the controversy, Gaetz announced his withdrawal from the nomination Nov. 21.
The House of Representatives Ethics Committee investigated the allegations against Gaetz and prepared a report.
Despite public pressure, Trump opposed the release of the report and its disclosure was blocked due to opposition from congressional Republicans, sparking more criticism.
A New York state Supreme Court judge postponed on Friday President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing after he was criminally convicted earlier this year of falsifying business records to cover up a “hush money” payment to an adult film star.
Justice Juan Merchan’s decision marks the third time Trump’s sentencing has been delayed, according to multiple reports. Prosecutors on Tuesday said they would not oppose a postponement in order to allow Trump’s lawyers time to develop any legal arguments for the case’s dismissal, but vowed to fight any effort to throw out the case.
They acknowledged in a filing that they are now in an unprecedented moment.
“The People deeply respect the Office of the President, are mindful of the demands and obligations of the presidency, and acknowledge that Defendant’s inauguration will raise unprecedented legal questions. We also deeply respect the fundamental role of the jury in our constitutional system,” they wrote, according to NBC News.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said it is open to delaying sentencing until after Trump completes his second term in office, but the incoming president’s attorneys said that is too long for their client to wait.
Merchan granted Trump’s attorneys a Dec. 2 deadline to file a motion for the case’s dismissal, and gave prosecutors until Dec. 9 to respond, according to NBC.
Trump was found guilty by a Manhattan grand jury in May of all 34 counts against him, which are related to a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels with the intent of influencing the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.
Trump is to be sworn in for his second term in office on Jan. 20, 2025 after handily defeating Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in this year’s presidential contest.
Leave a Reply