U.S. National Counterterrorism Center Director Resigns Over Iran War
Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and a retired Army Green Beret, announced his resignation on Tuesday, citing objections to the ongoing U.S. war in Iran.
A longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, Kent said in a statement on X that he could no longer support a conflict that he believes serves no strategic purpose for the United States.
“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent wrote. “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation. It is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
Background and Career Highlights
The NCTC is responsible for overseeing U.S. intelligence on terrorist threats and maintaining a comprehensive database of known and suspected terrorists. Kent, a 20-year Army Special Forces veteran, completed 11 combat deployments and later served in the CIA. His late wife, Shannon Kent, was a Navy cryptologist who was killed in a terrorist attack in Syria in 2019.
Kent previously worked closely with Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, and maintained a political alliance with her. Gabbard, known for her criticism of U.S. military interventions abroad, has largely stayed out of the public eye since the conflict began.
Letter to Trump Highlights Political Concerns
In a letter addressed to Donald Trump and shared publicly on X, Kent reaffirmed his support for the former president’s values during his first term but criticized him for being influenced by foreign and domestic lobbying. Kent expressed deep concern about sending U.S. troops into a war he described as “serving no benefit to the American people nor justifying the cost of American lives.”
Controversial Tenure and Political Ties
Kent’s appointment to the NCTC was part of a broader effort to place trusted loyalists in key government intelligence and law enforcement positions. Throughout his career, Kent has publicly defended individuals involved in political unrest and has had associations with far-right groups, including a man linked to the Proud Boys.
Despite his controversial views, Kent’s resignation signals dissent within senior U.S. intelligence ranks over the current military strategy in Iran.
