Joe Kent, former counterterrorism chief under President Donald Trump, firmly denies any wrongdoing amid reports of an FBI investigation into alleged mishandling of classified material. He describes the probe as a distraction from his efforts to halt the ongoing war in Iran.
Resignation Sparks Controversy
Kent stepped down as director of the National Counterterrorism Center on Tuesday, citing his strong opposition to the Iran conflict. He argues that Trump was misled into launching the war, which he views as serving no vital U.S. interests.
In a resignation letter posted on X that amassed over 100 million views, the 20-year Army veteran—who lost his Navy officer wife in Syria—declared he could not support sending more Americans to fight. “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation,” he wrote, pointing to pressures from Israel and its U.S. lobby.
Defiant Interview with Megyn Kelly
During a Friday interview with podcaster Megyn Kelly, Kent addressed the leak allegations head-on. “I’m not concerned because I know I did nothing wrong,” he stated. While acknowledging worries about government scrutiny, he added, “I know the truth and the facts are on my side.”
Kent expressed frustration over attacks from Trump and his allies, who labeled him weak and even accused him of treason. “It does anger me, but it’s all just to be expected,” he said. “I know their playbook.”
He questioned the investigation’s legitimacy, noting, “If there truly was an FBI investigation, they would actually formally come to me, and if they were still collecting information they most certainly wouldn’t leak it.” FBI officials declined to comment on the matter.
Broad Media Push Against the War
Kent reiterated his stance in a Wednesday appearance with Tucker Carlson, claiming Israeli influence drove the war decision and that Iran was not close to nuclear capability. He also revealed being blocked from probing the September assassination of Charlie Kirk, hinting at possible foreign involvement.
“I feel very confident in what I’m doing right now,” Kent told Kelly. “I have a mission to do everything I can to stop this war. Everything else is a sideshow.”
White House Response and Public Sentiment
The White House expressed surprise at Kent’s exit. Trump called it “a good thing that he’s out,” describing him as “weak on security.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the resignation as “laughable,” emphasizing Trump’s evidence of an imminent Iranian attack on the U.S.
Recent polls indicate majority American opposition to the Iran war, now in its third week.
