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Counterterrorism Chief Resigns, Blames Israeli Influence on War

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), resigned on March 17, 2026, citing that the U.S. war in Iran posed no imminent threat.
He accused Israel and its lobby of influencing the decision to go to war, signaling dissent within the Trump administration.
In a Tucker Carlson interview, Kent said key officials were sidelined from advising U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting limited internal dissent.

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Story summary

Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), resigned on March 17, 2026, citing that the U.S. war in Iran posed no imminent threat.
He accused Israel and its lobby of influencing the decision to go to war, signaling dissent within the Trump administration.
In a Tucker Carlson interview, Kent said key officials were sidelined from advising U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting limited internal dissent.