Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, stated that “Iran presented no immediate threat” to the United States.
The passionate Trump supporter Joe Kent announced his resignation on Tuesday from his position as director of the National Counterterrorism Center in a letter published on X. In just under three weeks of war, this is the first time a member of the administration has stepped down. This former Green Beret from special forces explained his departure due to his opposition to the war in Iran. He wrote, “The Islamic Republic ‘presented no immediate threat to our nation’ and the United States ‘initiated this war under pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,'” and, stating he could not continue in good conscience.
Joe Kent was appointed by the Trump administration and confirmed by the Senate in July 2025 to head this federal agency that works with the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security to combat terrorist threats in the United States. Democrats opposed his nomination, emphasizing his connections to conspiracy theorists and his unwavering support for the debunked stolen election theory of 2020. Kent entered politics in 2021 with a unique personal story, having served eleven deployments in combat zones before leaving special forces to join the CIA. His wife, who was deployed in Syria to combat the Islamic State, was killed in a suicide bombing in 2019.
After this tragedy, he decided to run for the House of Representatives, pledging full support for Trump and advocating for non-interventionist beliefs. His “inclusive populist program” promotes the Trumpian doctrine of ‘America First’ which aims to “rebuild industry,” “end illegal immigration,” and “stop foolish military interventions that do not directly serve our national interests.” In line with libertarian views, he aligns with Rand Paul, the Republican senator advocating for an end to “endless presidential wars.” Despite support from Donald Trump and other prominent figures from the MAGA right such as Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon, Joe Kent failed twice, in 2022 and 2024, against the Democratic candidate.
Criticism of Israel: His resignation resonates today with criticism from certain voices in the MAGA right who believe that Trump betrayed his promise not to start any wars. In the most radical currents, the traditional alliance with Israel is fiercely questioned. Marco Rubio’s statements hinting that Israel forced the US to attack Iran have stirred reactions.
Joe Kent accused Israeli officials and influential US media members of conducting a misinformation campaign to push for a conflict with Iran, similar to what happened in the disastrous Iraq war. He directly addressed Trump, expressing hope for a change in direction. The White House spokesperson quickly responded, denouncing his claims as “many falsehoods” and emphasizing Iran’s status as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism due to its ballistic missile program and nuclear capabilities.
