WASHINGTON – The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation announced today that Dr. Sebastian L. Gorka, Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 James W. Foley Freedom Awards, to be held on May 5, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
Inspired by the moral courage of journalist James W. Foley, the annual Freedom Awards event honors leaders who advance hostage recovery, defend press freedom, demonstrate exceptional public service, and uphold humanitarian values. Each year, the event brings together hostage families, former captives, policymakers, and journalists to reflect the enduring national commitment – across administrations – to bringing Americans home and upholding First Amendment press freedom.
Foley Foundation President and Founder Diane Foley said, “We are honored that Dr. Gorka will join us as keynote speaker for this year’s Freedom Awards event. Throughout his public service, he has demonstrated moral courage by standing with families of Americans held captive and working tirelessly to bring their loved ones home. His leadership reflects the resolve and compassion required to confront hostage‑taking and wrongful detention.”
Dr. Gorka leads the National Security Council’s portfolio on hostage recovery and counterterrorism and works alongside the broad team of senior administration leaders spearheading these efforts. Since taking office, the Trump administration has secured the release of more than 100 Americans held captive abroad. Dr. Gorka’s participation underscores this ongoing commitment while honoring the families and former captives whose courage transcends political transitions.
This charitable fundraising event honors the legacy of James Foley, a conflict journalist who was kidnapped by ISIS terrorists while reporting in Syria in 2012 and later brutally murdered by the group in 2014. Tickets to the Freedom Awards are available at www.foleyfreedomawards.org. Proceeds support the Foley Foundation’s mission to advocate for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and to promote journalist safety.
ABOUT THE JAMES W. FOLEY LEGACY FOUNDATION
Conflict journalist James W. Foley was taken hostage by ISIS terrorists in 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. His captors tortured and ultimately brutally murdered him in 2014. The Foundation was established less than three weeks after his death. Inspired by the moral courage of James Foley, the Foundation advocates for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and promotes journalist safety.
For more information or to learn how you can make an impact, please visit jamesfoleyfoundation.org or contact us here. Charitable donations to support the Foundation’s work may be made here.