WASHINGTON — The head of America’s National Counterterrorism Center stepped down Tuesday, declaring he could not support the Trump administration’s military engagement with Iran.
Joe Kent made his departure public through social media, stating 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.”
The White House has not yet responded to Kent’s resignation.
Kent took over the counterterrorism position in July following a narrow 52-44 Senate confirmation vote. The agency under his leadership was responsible for identifying and analyzing terrorist threats against the United States.
Prior to his government role, Kent unsuccessfully sought congressional seats in Washington state on two occasions. His background includes extensive military service with 11 deployments as a Green Beret, after which he worked for the Central Intelligence Agency.
Democratic lawmakers had strongly fought against Kent’s appointment, citing his associations with extremist right-wing individuals and promotion of unfounded theories. His 2022 congressional bid included payments to Graham Jorgensen, a Proud Boys member, for advisory services. Kent also maintained close ties with Joey Gibson, who established the Christian nationalist organization Patriot Prayer, while gaining endorsements from various far-right personalities.
During Senate hearings for his confirmation, Kent declined to reject conspiracy claims suggesting federal agents orchestrated the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, and he maintained false assertions that Trump legitimately defeated Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential race.
Senators questioned Kent about his involvement in a Signal messaging group where Trump’s national security staff discussed classified military operations.
Republican supporters, however, highlighted Kent’s counterterrorism credentials based on his military and intelligence background.
Intelligence Committee GOP Chairman Tom Cotton defended Kent during Senate floor remarks, stating he had “dedicated his career to fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe.”
