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Former Counterterrorism Chief Resigns, Criticizes Trump’s Iran War

3/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Joe Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest of U.S. President Donald Trump’s war in Iran, citing pressure from Israel.
Kent said Iran posed no imminent threat and expressed no regrets about leaving, despite facing potential political retribution and an FBI investigation over alleged classified information leaks.
Kent emphasized his commitment to stopping the war, describing the investigations as distractions.
The resignation has shifted Kent from a MAGA supporter to a critic, drawing attention from Trump officials and the media.

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Story summary

Joe Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest of U.S. President Donald Trump’s war in Iran, citing pressure from Israel.
Kent said Iran posed no imminent threat and expressed no regrets about leaving, despite facing potential political retribution and an FBI investigation over alleged classified information leaks.
Kent emphasized his commitment to stopping the war, describing the investigations as distractions.
The resignation has shifted Kent from a MAGA supporter to a critic, drawing attention from Trump officials and the media.