Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism in the Trump administration, engaged in a heated exchange with CNN anchor Jake Tapper on Wednesday evening.

The discussion centered on a report from The Washington Post that claimed recent cuts to U.S. foreign assistance were undermining counterterrorism operations in Africa and the Middle East.

During the segment, Tapper pressed Gorka on the reported reductions in funding, asking, “Are those cuts still in place? Are you concerned about them at all?”

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Gorka immediately questioned the credibility of the report and criticized the media outlet behind it.

“Is that the same Washington Post that propagated the ‘Russia, Russia’ collusion hoax for the last eight years?” he asked.

Tapper attempted to move past the remark, responding, “Well, regardless of the ‘Russia, Russia’—” but Gorka interrupted.

“No, not regardless,” Gorka shot back.

“You’re quoting The Washington Post to me, which is as effective as posting for me or quoting to me any other pillar of the fake news industrial complex.”

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Gorka continued to challenge the reliability of the media’s reporting, stating, “I really couldn’t care less what The Washington Post or The New York Times says, especially when it’s anonymous government officials. If it’s true, put your name to it. If it’s not, shut up.”

Tapper attempted to steer the conversation back to the broader topic of foreign aid, asking whether the cuts affected counterterrorism efforts.

Gorka rejected the premise, explaining that the administration’s budget reductions were aimed at eliminating what he described as an “ideological infection” within U.S. foreign aid programs and government agencies rather than compromising security operations.

“Let me assure you, Jake Tapper, that nothing we have done in the last 53 days has undermined the counterterrorism capabilities of our allies or friends,” Gorka said.

He then defended the administration’s broader counterterrorism strategy, stating, “On the contrary, just as we have unleashed the hounds of hell to kill jihadis, we have made our partners much, much more capable of doing the job they need to do.”

Dr. @SebGorka absolutely destroyed Jake Tapper for quoting a fake piece from the Washington Post 👍 pic.twitter.com/ywlf8mGrjU

— Joel Fischer 🇺🇸 (@realJoelFischer) March 13, 2025

The exchange highlighted the sharp divisions over media credibility and the Trump administration’s foreign policy approach.

While Tapper attempted to frame the conversation around concerns over national security, Gorka pushed back forcefully, challenging the legitimacy of anonymous sources and media narratives.

The segment ended with neither side backing down, as Gorka stood by the administration’s position on foreign aid and counterterrorism, while Tapper sought to press for further details.

The debate underscored ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the mainstream media over issues of policy, accountability, and press coverage.

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