The director of the National Counterterrorism Center has resigned from his post, publicly stating he cannot support the Trump administration’s military campaign against Iran.
Joe Kent announced his departure on social media, writing that Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation” and that the war had been started “due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.” He added that he could not “in good conscience” continue in his role given that position.
Kent, a former political candidate with reported connections to right-wing extremist groups, had been confirmed to the post in July last year by a 52-44 Senate vote.
His resignation makes him the most senior intelligence official to publicly break with the administration over the Iran conflict, and follows a broader pattern of dissent within Trump’s inner circle. David Sacks, the White House’s AI and cryptocurrency czar, has also publicly urged the President to seek an exit from the war, warning of the risks of further escalation.
The White House has not yet publicly responded to Kent’s resignation statement.
