Who Is Joe Kent, the Official Trump Branded 'Weak on Security' After Resigning?

Joe Kent, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, resigned on Tuesday in protest against the ongoing war in Iran. The former Green Beret stated he could not support the conflict in good conscience, claiming Tehran posed no immediate threat to the United Kingdom's allies.

Following the announcement, President Donald Trump dismissed his former aide's concerns, labelling him 'very weak on security' and suggesting his departure was a positive move for the administration.

A 'Manufactured' Conflict

Joseph Kent argued that the conflict was not a matter of urgent national security. Instead, the former special forces officer claimed the war was triggered by external pressure from Israel rather than a genuine need to protect the country.

Taking to X on Tuesday, Kent confirmed his departure by questioning the very foundations of the war. He stated that 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.'

By stating he 'cannot in good conscience' continue to support the current military strategy, Kent has established himself as a prominent dissenter within the administration. His resignation represents a rare and significant public break by a high-ranking official against the offensive in Iran.

Trump Fires Back from the Oval Office

During an Oval Office briefing, Trump delivered a stinging response to Kent's departure following the official's protest against the military offensive in Iran. The President claimed he had long viewed the National Counterterrorism Centre director as 'weak on security', doubling down on the criticism by describing him as 'very weak'. Trump further remarked that reviewing Kent's resignation letter only confirmed that his exit was 'a good thing'.

Trump further remarked to the press, 'I always thought he was a nice guy, but I also believed he was weak on security—very weak... When I read his statement, I realised it's a good thing he's out, because he said that Iran was not a threat. Iran was a threat—every country realised that...'

The President went on to say that the administration has no place for anyone who fails to recognise the danger posed by Tehran. 'They're not smart people, or they're not savvy people,' Trump asserted, insisting that 'Iran was a tremendous threat.'

Who is Joseph Clay Kent?

Born in Oregon on 11 April 1980, Joseph Clay Kent is a former military officer with a distinguished career. Between 1998 and 2018, he completed 11 combat tours while serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Army Special Forces. Following his retirement from the Army, he transitioned into a role as a paramilitary officer within the CIA.

His wife, Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent, died in a 2019 suicide bombing during her service in Syria. In his resignation letter, Kent characterised that conflict as one 'manufactured by Israel', linking the personal tragedy to his current opposition.

Following his time in government, Kent launched two bids for Congress in Washington state, though neither was successful. In February 2025, Trump nominated him to head the National Counterterrorism Centre. During the appointment, the President praised him on Truth Social, stating, 'Joe will help keep America safe by eradicating all terrorism, from the jihadists around the world to the cartels in our backyard.'

A Controversial Confirmation

His confirmation passed the Senate in July 2025 with a 52 to 44 vote, despite fierce resistance from Democrats. Opponents highlighted his past links to extremist groups and his tendency to back unverified theories as reasons for their concern.

While being questioned by the committee, Kent stood by suggestions that undercover federal agents provoked the 6 January Capitol riots and stayed silent when asked to confirm Joe Biden's 2020 election victory over Trump.