A former national security adviser to Donald Trump has issued a sharp rebuke of Sebastian Gorka, Trump’s pick for counter-terrorism chief in his new cabinet.

In a scathing critique, John Bolton labeled Gorka a ‘con man’ arguing that his appointment is the ‘worst cabinet appointment in recent American history’ and a poor choice for the National Security Council’s efforts to combat terrorism effectively.

Speaking to CNN, Bolton did not hold back stating: ‘I wouldn’t have him in any U.S. government.’

Bolton’s criticism reflects his concerns about Gorka’s qualifications and suitability for a senior role in national security and is calling for greater scrutiny of Gorka’s background.

‘He needs a full FBI field background investigation,’ Bolton said, adding that there are questions about Gorka’s academic credentials and that it is not ‘going to bode well for counter-terrorism efforts when the [national security council’s] senior director is somebody like that’.

‘I think he is a perfect example of somebody who owes his position purely to Donald Trump,’ Bolton explained.

‘He doesn’t display loyalty. He displays fealty. And that’s what Trump wants.He doesn’t want Gorka’s opinions, he wants Gorka to say “yes, sir,”‘ Bolton said.

Critics argue this preference for unquestioning loyalty over expertise could have serious implications for national security.

Bolton’s words carry weight having served in several Republican administrations including under Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and during Trump’s first term.

Trump has claimed he chose Gorka saying he had more than 30 years of national security experience. describing him as a ‘tireless advocate for the America First Agenda and the MAGA Movement’.

Gorka, a British-Hungarian-American, spent less than a year in Trump’s first White House, but has been an outspoken supporter of Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda.

But he has also faced significant controversy over his past statements and actions.

Gorka has been accused of Islamophobia for supporting Trump’s 2017 travel ban, which restricted entry into the U.S. for visitors from several predominantly Muslim countries, including Iran, Libya, and Syria.

Gorka, who is outspokenly pro-Israel and supportive of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has also publicly claimed that ‘Islam is not a religion of peace.’

Further criticism stems from Gorka’s association with the Hungarian nationalist organization Vitézi Rend.

He attended Trump’s 2017 inaugural ball wearing an honorary medal from the group, which has faced accusations of links to far-right ideologies.

Gorka also previously served as an adviser to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a controversial leader known for his authoritarian policies.

In a second interview, this time on NewsNation, Bolton also compared Gorka unfavorably to other controversial Trump appointees.

Bolton said that until Gorka’s nomination, he would have considered former Democrat and Iraq veteran Tulsi Gabbard’s proposed appointment as director of national intelligence to be the ‘worst cabinet appointment in recent American history.’

Bolton is not alone in his disapproval of Gorka’s appointment.

Democratic National Committee spokesperson also Alex Floyd described Gorka as ‘a far-right extremist who is as dangerous as he is unqualified to lead America’s counter-terrorism strategy.’