Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday sought to capitalize on a flood of reports suggesting that White House staffer Sebastian Gorka may soon be forced out, urging President Donald Trump to get rid of his self-styled counterterrorism guru immediately.
“Based on recent revelations about Mr. Gorka’s public support for and membership in several anti-Semitic and racist groups in Hungary, he is clearly unfit to serve in any position of responsibility in your Administration,” read a letter signed by 55 Democratic members of the House.
“We urge you to fire him immediately, and to make clear that you condemn all forms of anti-Semitism and intolerance within our country and abroad,” they added.
Brought into the administration to advise Trump on counterterrorism issues, Gorka’s tenure has been hamstrung by his reported inability to secure a security clearance, thin resume for handling national security issues and links to Hungarian far-right groups.
He has denied belonging to the Order of Vitez, a knightly order founded by a Nazi-allied Hungarian leader, but acknowledged that his father was a member. Gorka occasionally wears his father’s medal from the group in public.
Democratic lawmakers called Gorka’s affiliation with the group “extremely concerning,” and also highlighted his ties to former leaders of Hungary’s anti-Semitic Jobbik party, as well as his past public support for a militia created by Jobbik members.
Gorka has dismissed reports of his ties to those far-right Hungarian groups as “amusing,” while Jewish lawmakers and some Jewish groups have repeatedly called for his dismissal.
The controversy may be coming to a head for the White House adviser. Beginning on Friday, anonymous administration officials telegraphed to journalists that Gorka might be moved to a new role in the administration that does not require a security clearance.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer offered Gorka little cover Monday, saying he had no “comment on personnel matters at this time.”
Read the full letter below:
