Trump aide Sebastian Gorka signals he's interested in top counterterrorism post

Politics Trump aide Sebastian Gorka signals he's interested in top counterterrorism post By James LaPorta, James LaPorta National security coordinating producer James LaPorta is the national security coordinating producer for the CBS News' Washington bureau. He is a former U.S. Marine veteran infantryman and veteran of the Afghanistan war. Read Full Bio James LaPorta, Olivia Gazis, Olivia Gazis Olivia Gazis covers intelligence and international security matters for CBS News. Twice Emmy-nominated, she has traveled worldwide with the secretary of state and contributes reporting on intelligence, foreign policy and other security topics across CBS News broadcast, radio, online and streaming platforms. Read Full Bio Olivia Gazis, Sara Cook Sara Cook Sara Cook is a White House producer and multi-platform reporter for CBS News. She has covered three presidential campaigns and the Obama, Biden, and Trump administrations. Read Full Bio Sara Cook Updated on: April 15, 2026 / 12:53 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Washington — Sebastian Gorka, a national security aide to President Trump, has signaled interest in becoming the next director of the National Counterterrorism Center, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News. The position would place Gorka at the hub of the nation's counterterrorism enterprise at a time of unusual strain and redefinition across the national security apparatus. It has been moving toward an "America First" framework that emphasizes restraint abroad, despite Trump administration initiatives like the war with Iran and the removal and arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolàs Maduro.Gorka and a National Security Council official did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka, center, with FBI Director Kash Patel, left, at the State Department on March 9, 2026. Brendan SMIALOWSKI /AFP via Getty Images Gorka formerly held academic roles at the Marine Cor...