| Published April 7, 2025
In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Senior Director of Counterterrorism for the National Security Council (NSC) and Deputy Assistant to President Donald Trump, detailed a significant shift in the United States’ counterterrorism strategy under President Trump. Gorka emphasized that the administration has undertaken a complete overhaul compared to previous policies, aiming for a more aggressive stance against jihadist threats.
Decisive Action Against ISIS in Somalia
Gorka recounted a specific operation illustrating this new approach. Early in the administration, the NSC identified an ISIS cave complex in northern Somalia, which had been under surveillance for over a year and a half without action during the previous administration. Upon presenting this intelligence to President Trump, Gorka noted that the President promptly authorized a strike, stating, “Kill them, and kill them now.” This decision led to a successful operation within 30 hours, resulting in the elimination of key ISIS operatives.
Contrasting Approaches to Counterterrorism
This proactive strategy marks a departure from the prior administration’s policies, which Gorka criticized for being overly cautious and bureaucratic. He highlighted that under President Biden, approvals for targeting high-value terrorist figures required extensive deliberation, often leading to inaction. In contrast, President Trump’s administration has streamlined decision-making processes, empowering military and intelligence officials to act swiftly against terrorist threats.
Revised Rules of Engagement
The administration has also revised the rules governing military strikes and raids on terrorist targets. By dismantling restrictive policies from the previous administration, the current leadership has granted the military greater autonomy to conduct operations, aiming to eliminate threats more efficiently. While this approach seeks to enhance the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts, it has raised concerns about the potential for increased civilian casualties.
Implications for U.S. Counterterrorism Policy
The shift in strategy reflects President Trump’s commitment to an “America First” approach, focusing on decisive action against terrorist organizations. This policy aims to demonstrate a clear stance against jihadist groups, signaling that threats to American security will be met with immediate and forceful responses.
In summary, the Trump administration’s counterterrorism policy represents a significant transformation, characterized by rapid decision-making and assertive military actions. This approach underscores a broader commitment to eliminating terrorist threats and reasserting U.S. strength on the global stage.
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