The Counterterrorism Czar Without a Counterterrorism Plan

ProPublica reports that Sebastian Gorka, Trump's White House counterterrorism adviser, has repeatedly promised to release a national counterterrorism strategy since late 2024—describing it as "imminent" in March, July, October, and January—but has not delivered the document, even as the U.S. faces escalating domestic terror attacks in March 2025 and military conflict with Iran. The reporting is substantive and sourced: Hannah Allam interviewed more than two dozen national security officials across party lines (mostly anonymously due to stated Trump retaliation concerns), incorporated on-the-record statements from FBI and White House spokespersons, reviewed Gorka's public remarks and social media posts, and documented specific personnel cuts—including FBI Director Kash Patel firing a dozen counterintelligence agents monitoring Iranian threats and a reported 40% drop in Justice Department prosecutors. Independent search results corroborate key claims: The Washington Post reports Gorka is seeking the director role at the National Counterterrorism Center following Joe Kent's resignation, and The New Republic notes Gorka's broader influence on Trump administration terror classifications. Watch for: the eventual release of Gorka's counterterrorism strategy and Senate confirmation proceedings if he is formally nominated to lead the National Counterterrorism Center, as well as whether the administration restores personnel and publishes overdue threat assessments and advisory bulletins.