WASHINGTON — Sebastian Gorka has signaled interest in becoming the next director of the National Counterterrorism Center, according to two U.S. officials. The position has been vacant since former director Joe Kent stepped down last month.

The NCTC director leads the nation's counterterrorism enterprise. If nominated, Gorka would face a Senate confirmation vote. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, led by Tulsi Gabbard, referred questions about the potential nomination to the White House. "Any announcements regarding nominees will come from the President or administration directly," a White House official said.

Gorka, a naturalized American citizen born in the United Kingdom to Hungarian parents, served as a national security strategist to President Trump during his first term. He departed the administration shortly after retired Marine Gen. John Kelly took over as White House chief of staff. Gorka formerly held academic roles at the Marine Corps University and the National Defense University at Fort McNair. His policy focus has centered on Islamist extremism and immigration policy.

Kent, an Army Special Forces veteran, was nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate last year. He stepped down after disagreeing with the president over plans to begin military action against Iran. "I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," Kent said at the time of his departure.

Kent is currently under investigation by the FBI for alleged leaks of classified information. Gorka publicly called Kent an utter disgrace following his resignation.

Joe Weirsky, a Marine veteran with special operations experience, is currently serving as the acting director of the NCTC.