Post

Trump national security aide Sebastian Gorka has signaled his interest in becoming the next National Counterterrorism Center director, two U.S. officials said.

Updated on: April 15, 2026 / 12:53 PM EDT / 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.

Gorka formerly held academic roles at the Marine Corps University and at the National Defense University at Fort McNair. His career in U.S. politics has been built around an uncompromising view of Islamist extremism and a restrictive approach to immigration policy, making him a familiar presence on conservative media, where his commentary often blends praise for Mr. Trump with sharp attacks on administration critics.

Joe Weirsky , a Marine veteran with special operations experience, is currently the acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center, following the resignation of Joe Kent . Kent, an Army Special Forces veteran, stepped down last month after breaking with Mr. Trump over the administration's move to begin military action against Iran — a decision that critics, including some within the president's own orbit, say clashes with campaign promises to avoid new foreign conflicts.