Joe Kent Resigns As Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Says "We Started This War Due To Pressure From Israel and It's Powerful American Lobby"

After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.

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… pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr

— Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026

Joe Kent was registered as a Democrat until 2021.

Kent was affiliated with the Libertarian Party from 2012 to 2019, then switched to the Democratic Party in 2019. He remained a Democrat through 2020 (including voting for Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary that year. He… pic.twitter.com/QNtK3BRbCh

— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) March 17, 2026

Joe Kent in 2022: Praises the IDF, backs maximum pressure on Iran, embraces the Abraham Accords, and casts Israel as a strategic American ally.

Joe Kent in 2026: “Israel pushed America into multiple wars since 2000 and is indirectly responsible for ISIS murdering my wife" pic.twitter.com/Upkh6if58a

— Eitan Fischberger (@EFischberger) March 17, 2026

🚨 BREAKING 🚨

Joe Kent's @joekent16jan19 resignation this morning as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center comes after increasing scrutiny regarding him potentially leaking to Tucker Carlson @TuckerCarlson about his unmasking and a possible criminal referral by the… https://t.co/Zms1yo08rq

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) March 17, 2026

A senior administration official tells FOX, Joe Kent was:

-a known leaker and he was cut out of POTUS intelligence briefings months ago.

-the WH told DNI Tulsi Gabbard he should be fired for suspected leaks but she never did.

-he has not been part of any Iran planning…

— Aishah Hasnie (@aishahhasnie) March 17, 2026