President Trump Responds to Resignation of National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent (VIDEO)

President Trump responded to the resignation of the US’s top counterterrorism official in protest of the Iran war.

Joe Kent resigned on Tuesday and said the US started the war against Iran due to pressure from Israel.

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

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he said.

“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 said.

“As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon 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 added.

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

According to Fox News’ White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, Joe Kent was a “known leaker” and was cut out of President Trump’s intel briefings months ago.

This has not been confirmed by the White House.

Senior admin official says Joe Kent was “a known leaker” – and was cut out of POTUS intelligence briefings months ago. He has not been part of any Iran planning discussions or briefings at all.

Official says also the White House told DNI Gabbard Kent should be fired for…

— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) March 17, 2026

President Trump was asked about Joe Kent’s resignation during an Oval Office meeting with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin.

“I always thought he was weak on security. Very weak on security,” Trump said.

“I didn’t know him well. But I thought he seemed like a pretty nice guy,” he said.

“But when I read his statement, I realized that it’s a good thing he’s out because he said Iran was not a threat,” Trump added.

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