- Joe Kent resigned as NCTC Director on March 18, 2026, to protest the US-Israeli war against Iran.
- He alleged the conflict was driven by misinformation and lacked an
- President Trump dismissed Ke
The Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Joe Kent, in the Trump administration, decided to step down on March 18, 2026, in protest over the US-Iran conflict, stating that there was "no imminent threat" posed by Tehran.
Kent announced his resignation on X (formerly Twitter) handle, sharing a formal letter where he wrote, "After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today."
Also Read: Iran Confirms National Security Adviser Ali Larjiani's Death, Vows Revenge
While addressing his concerns over the ongoing US-Israel and Iran conflict, he wrote, "I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."
He concluded saying, "It has been an honor serving under @POTUS and @DNIGabbard and leading the professionals at NCTC. May God bless America."
In the resignation letter, Kent stated that "high-ranking Israeli officials and influential US journalists had sown misinformation that led the president to undermine his ‘America First' platform."
"This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States. This was a lie," the letter further reads.
Kent served in a vital US department where his responsibility for terrorism intelligence was crucial for the Trump government. However, his decision to quit the high-profile post has pushed him into the spotlight of criticism, specifically as the country has been at war alongside Israel since Feb. 28.
In the letter, he bluntly suggested that launching military attacks against the country without an "imminent" threat and without approval from Congress under US law exposes Trump and the administration to liability under international law.
US President Donald Trump told the media following the resignation that Kent was unfit for the position, “I always thought he was weak on security” and that he “didn't know him well.”
He added, “It's a good thing that he's out, because he said that Iran was not a threat. Iran was a threat. Every country realized what a threat Iran was.”
Who is Joe Kent?
The 45-year-old is known for his previous candidacy and distinguished military service. Kent has established a reputation based on his non-interventionist stance regarding foreign affairs. He has previously faced investigation over past connections to far-right activists.
He served the country as a soldier in the US Army Special Forces, completing 11 combat deployments. After exiting the military, Kent was associated with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) before joining politics.
His family has suffered significant tragedy. His first wife, Shannon Kent, a US Navy cryptologic technician, was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria in 2019. She left behind two children.
Kent referenced his wife's death in his resignation letter, claiming "she had been killed in a war manufactured by Israel."
“I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives,” he penned.
Trump Nominated Kent
Kent campaigned as a Republican from southwestern Washington state for the US Congress in 2022 and 2024, but he was defeated both times by centrist Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
Trump endorsed Kent in both races, though the candidate was dogged by controversies, including reports that he paid a member of the far-right group "Proud Boys" a consulting fee.
Despite the unsuccessful campaigns and the watchdog scrutiny surrounding the Proud Boys controversy, Trump nominated Kent for the NCTC role.
In the war launched by the US, which has now entered its third week, approximately 13 US soldiers have been killed and more than 1,450 people have died in the conflict.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.