Joe Kent has made the decision to resign from his position.
The Director of the National Counterterrorism Center stepped down unexpectedly on Tuesday, taking aim at the persistent conflict in Iran and citing foreign influence in a biting public statement.
“After much introspection, I have chosen to resign from my role as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective immediately,” Kent posted on X.
He expressed deep concerns about the ongoing war, stating, “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is apparent that we initiated this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
Kent acknowledged the honor of serving under President Trump and stated his commitment to the mission of the NCTC.
In a more comprehensive letter to President Trump, he reiterated his views, arguing that the conflict contradicts the core “America First” approach that characterized Trump’s earlier foreign policy.
He warned that the U.S. was being drawn back into the prolonged conflicts Trump opposed during his campaign.
“I support the values and foreign policies of your campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2024, which you implemented during your first term. Until June 2025, you recognized that wars in the Middle East were traps that took the lives of our soldiers and diminished America’s prosperity.”
Kent also commended Trump’s previous policies, noting decisive military actions without long-term commitments.
“In your first term, you understood how to apply military power without being ensnared in endless conflicts, as demonstrated by your actions against Qassem Soleimani and ISIS.”
He accused Israeli officials and their media allies of steering the U.S. toward war through a coordinated pressure campaign.
“At the beginning of this administration, prominent Israeli officials and influential media members waged a misinformation campaign that undermined your America First platform and fostered pro-war sentiments for a conflict with Iran.”
Kent claimed this strategy misled policymakers into believing a swift victory was achievable.
“This echo chamber deceived you into thinking Iran posed an imminent threat, with a clear path to a quick win. This was a fallacy, similar to the tactics used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war.”
The departing counterterrorism chief also shared his personal background, referencing his military service and personal losses.
“As a veteran who served in combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war driven by Israeli interests, I cannot condone sending the next generation to suffer and die in a conflict that offers no benefit to the American people or justifies the sacrifice of American lives.”
Kent finished with a sincere plea for Trump to reconsider his current course.
“I urge you to reflect on our actions in Iran, and for whom we are doing this. The time for decisive action is now. You can change course and set a new direction for our country, or we risk descending further into chaos. The choice is in your hands.”
“It has been a privilege to serve in your administration and our great nation.”
