NIAC’s Trita Parsi released the following statement in response to reports that Sebastian Gorka is a sworn member of the Nazi-affiliated group Vitézi Rend:

“We call on Sebastian Gourka to immediately resign his post as Trump’s top counterterrorism aide. Antisemitism and Islamophobia are two sides of the same coin and cannot be allowed in the most sacred halls of America’s democracy. Whether Gourka was a member of the pro-Nazi group Vitézi Rend is less relevant at this point since his sympathies and close affiliation with the racist and anti-semitic group is now well established.”

“Moreover, Gorka has also repeatedly made numerous divisive and Islamophobic comments as the former national security editor of Breitbart. He has described profiling of Muslims “common sense” and said accepting Muslim refugees would be ‘national suicide’.”

“Mr. Gorka has made no effort to demonstrate good will to either the Jewish American or Muslim American communities amid growing questions over his espousal of a hateful White nationalist ideology. The Forward reported two senior members of Vitézi Rend affirm that Gorka is a sworn member of the group, which the US Department of State designates as an anti-Semitic organization founded under the auspices of Nazi Germany.”

“Even more suspiciously, Mr. Gorka has signed his name “Sebastian L. v. Gorka” in both his doctoral thesis and in 2011 testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. The addition of a ‘v.’ to one’s middle initial is a practice used by Vitézi Rend members.”

“After initially refusing comment, Mr. Gorka is now denying membership in the group, but was photographed wearing a Vitézi Rend medal as recently as President Trump’s inauguration ball in January. Mr. Gorka claims this was a tribute to his father. It is only due to Vitézi Rend’s obscurity in the U.S. that Gorka could use such a preposterous defense. If his father had fought the Soviets as a German soldier in World War II, would it be acceptable for Gorka to wear a swastika in commemoration? Yet, that is the argument Mr. Gorka is hiding behind.”

“It is highly inappropriate and disturbing for an individual with any affiliation—past or present—to a racist group to serve in the capacity of advisor to the President.”

“As long as President Trump continues to employ advisors who espouse racist ideologies, the Trump administration will continue to pursue policies that turn Americans against each other, which in turn makes America less safe.”

“It is critical that minority communities stand in solidarity with one another against discrimination and oppose the normalization of racism and bigotry in government.”