40 Facts About Sebastian Gorka

Early Life and Education

Sebastian Gorka's journey began in London, England, where he was born to Hungarian parents. His upbringing and education played a significant role in shaping his future career.

1. 01Birth and Early Life: Sebastian Gorka was born on October 22, 1970, in London, England, UK, to Hungarian parents.
2. 02Family Background: His parents, Paul and Susan Gorka, had lived under both fascist and communist regimes in Hungary. This background instilled in Sebastian a deep love for freedom and a strong sense of resistance against totalitarian ideologies.
3. 03Education: Gorka studied at the Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public Administration (now Corvinus University), where he earned a master's degree in international relations and diplomacy in 1997.
4. 04Military Service: During his university years, Gorka joined the British Territorial Army as a volunteer, serving in the 22 Intelligence Company of the Intelligence and Security Group (Volunteers). This unit specialized in Russian language training and supported NATO operations until its disbandment in 1992.

Professional Beginnings

Gorka's early career saw him moving to Hungary and working in various capacities, including roles in the Hungarian Ministry of Defense and NATO.

5. 05Hungarian Ministry of Defense: After completing his military service, Gorka moved to Hungary in 1992 and worked for the Hungarian Ministry of Defense while continuing his studies.
6. 06NATO Defense College: In 1997, Gorka was a Partnership for Peace International research fellow at the NATO Defense College in Rome.
7. 07Counterterrorism Expertise: Following the September 11 attacks, Gorka became a public figure in Hungary as a television counterterrorism expert. This led to his involvement in various parliamentary committees and investigations related to national security.
8. 08Parliamentary Committee: In 2002, Gorka was asked to serve as an official expert on a parliamentary investigatory committee created to uncover the Communist background and alleged counterespionage of the new Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Medgyessy. However, he failed to obtain necessary security clearance due to allegations of being a spy working for British counterintelligence.

Academic and Teaching Roles

Gorka's academic credentials and teaching roles further solidified his expertise in national security and counterterrorism.

9. 09Teaching and Research: Gorka taught part-time at the National Defense University and Marine Corps University, focusing on irregular warfare and counterterrorism. He also wrote for the Hudson Institute of New York (now Gatestone Institute) between 2009 and 2011.
10. 10Georgetown University: Between 2011 and 2013, Gorka was an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University, further solidifying his expertise in national security and counterterrorism.
11. 11Naturalized American Citizen: In 2012, Gorka became a naturalized American citizen after moving to the United States with his family in 2008.
12. 12Academic Credentials: Gorka obtained his doctorate in Political Science from Corvinus University in Budapest. He was also a fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Contributions to National Security

Gorka's work with the Defense Department and his role as an expert witness in high-profile cases highlight his significant contributions to national security.

13. 13Defense Department Roles: Gorka worked for the Defense Department in various capacities, including serving as Associate Dean for Congressional Affairs and Relations to the Special Operations Community at National Defense University.
14. 14Expert Witness: Gorka served as an expert witness in the Boston Marathon bombing trial, providing critical insights into the threat of global jihadism.
15. 15Congressional Testimony: He testified before Congress on the threat of Global Jihadism, further establishing his expertise in this area.
16. 16Briefings and Consultations: Gorka has briefed the CIA, DIA, US Navy Seals, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and other high-level defense and intelligence agencies on national security matters.

Media Presence and Publications

Gorka's media appearances and publications have made him a well-known figure in discussions about national security and counterterrorism.

17. 17Media Appearances: Gorka frequently appears on Fox News, BBC, Sky News, CNN, and other national and international media outlets to discuss national security and counterterrorism issues.
18. 18Books and Publications: Gorka has written several books, including "Defeating Jihad," which became a national bestseller, and "Why We Fight…Defeating America’s Enemies with No Apologies," his latest release in October.
19. 19Salem Radio Network: Gorka hosts a nationally syndicated radio show, "America First," on the Salem Radio Network, where he discusses current events and national security issues.
20. 20Newsmax TV: He also hosts "The Gorka Reality Check" on Newsmax TV, providing in-depth analysis on national security and global threats.

Role in the Trump Administration

Gorka's brief tenure in the Trump administration was marked by internal conflicts and controversies.

21. 21Trump Administration Role: In 2017, Gorka served as Deputy Assistant to the President for Strategy under President Donald J. Trump, though he resigned after seven months due to internal conflicts within the administration.
22. 22Controversies and Criticisms: Gorka has faced criticism for his views on Islam and radicalization, as well as his association with the Order of Vitéz, which some have linked to Nazi sympathies. He has rejected these claims, calling them "bogus" and "a new label for nationalists or irredentist bigots."
23. 23Alt-Right Ties: While Gorka has ties to the alt-right movement, he has condemned it and rejected the label, stating that it is not representative of his views.
24. 24Order of Vitéz: Gorka has worn the badge, tunic, and ring of the Order of Vitéz, which has led to accusations of being a Nazi sympathizer. He has defended his actions by stating that the Order is a historical honor bestowed upon him by his father, who was a member.

Personal Life and Public Speaking

Gorka's personal life and public speaking engagements reveal a man deeply committed to his family and his work.

25. 25Family Life: Gorka has been married to Katharine Fairfax Cornell since July 1996, and they have two children together.
26. 26Height and Physical Appearance: Gorka stands at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) tall, making him a distinctive figure in public appearances.
27. 27Public Speaking Engagements: Gorka is a sought-after speaker for corporate events, conferences, and other public gatherings, known for his expertise in national security and counterterrorism.

Contributions to National Security Sector

Gorka's work with the Threat Knowledge Group and his commendations highlight his ongoing contributions to national security.

28. 28Threat Knowledge Group: He is the founder of the Threat Knowledge Group, which provides strategic support to the American national security sector, including the FBI and Green Berets.
29. 29Department of Defense Commendation: Gorka was awarded the Department of Defense Joint Civilian Service Commendation for his support to U.S. Special Operations Command.

Media and Public Reception

Gorka's media presence and public reception reflect his influence and the controversies surrounding him.

30. 30Media Reception: Gorka has received positive reviews for his public speaking engagements, with many attendees praising his engaging and informative presentations.
31. 31Fox News Contributions: As a Fox News contributor, Gorka provides regular analysis on national security issues, making him a prominent voice in the media landscape.
32. 32BBC and Sky News Appearances: He has appeared on BBC and Sky News, further expanding his reach and influence in the international media.
33. 33CNN Appearances: Gorka has also appeared on CNN, discussing various national security topics and providing expert insights to a broader audience.

Expertise in Terrorism and Global Threats

Gorka's expertise in terrorism and global threats is widely recognized, making him a key figure in national security discussions.

34. 34National Security Expertise: Gorka is recognized as one of America's top experts on terrorism and the global jihadist threat, regularly briefing defense, intelligence, homeland security, and law enforcement communities.
35. 35Boston Bombing Trial: He served as an expert witness in the Boston Marathon bombing trial, providing critical testimony on the nature of global jihadism.
36. 36Al Qaeda and ISIS Analysis: Gorka has written extensively on Al Qaeda and ISIS, analyzing their ideologies and strategies in his book "Defeating Jihad."
37. 37Strategic Response Plan: In his book, Gorka outlines a strategic response plan to empower local actors in the Middle East and use informational means to delegitimize the message of holy war propagated by terrorists.
38. 38ISIS Threat to the U.S.: He has provided detailed information on the tangible ISIS threat to the United States, including over 100 arrests of ISIS suspects made in the U.S. over the last two years.
39. 39Intelligence in the Post-Cold War Era: Gorka has explained how the world of intelligence has dramatically changed in the post-Cold War era, especially in the post-9/11 world, highlighting the evolving nature of global threats.
40. 40Citizen Safety and National Security: Gorka emphasizes the importance of citizen safety and national security, providing actionable advice on how individuals can make themselves safer in today’s world of globalized and transnational threats.

Gorka's Multifaceted Journey

Sebastian Gorka's life is a blend of diverse experiences and achievements. From his early days in London to his roles in Hungary and the U.S., Gorka has made a mark in national security and counterterrorism. His academic pursuits, military service, and media presence highlight his dedication to these fields. Serving in the Trump administration and his work with various defense agencies underscore his influence. Despite controversies, Gorka remains a prominent voice in national security discussions. His books, media appearances, and public speaking engagements continue to inform and shape public opinion. Gorka's journey reflects a commitment to understanding and addressing global threats, making him a significant figure in contemporary politics and media. His story is a testament to resilience, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of security and freedom.