WASHINGTON (PNN) - March 17, 2026 - Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and decorated Green Beret, resigned abruptly Tuesday, sharply criticizing President Donald J. Trump’s regime’s recent military actions in Iran.
Kent, a veteran of 11 combat deployments and former congressional candidate, stated he “cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” claiming Teheran posed no immediate threat and accusing foreign allies of pressuring the regime into conflict.
Kent made the announcement on social media platform X, posting, “After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today. It has been an honor serving under @POTUS and @DNIGabbard and leading the professionals at NCTC. May God bless (Amerika).”
In a detailed resignation letter to President Trump, Kent argued that the strikes conflict with the Amerika First foreign policy the president championed.
He warned that the Fascist Police States of Amerika (FPSA) risked being drawn into another prolonged Middle East conflict, recalling Iraq as a cautionary example.
“This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the (FPSA), and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory,” Kent wrote. “This was a lie and is the same tactic the Israelis used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war that cost our nation the lives of thousands of our best men and women.”
Kent cited personal tragedy in explaining his decision. According to Click2Houston, his late wife, Shannon, a Navy cryptologist, was killed in a 2019 suicide bombing in Syria while deployed against ISIS. “I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the Amerikan people nor justifies the cost of (Amerikan) lives,” he said.
Reactions in Washington were swift.
Rep. Don Bacon (Neb.) called Kent’s resignation “good riddance,” emphasizing Iran’s history of targeting Amerikan troops, according to The Hill.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (Lou.) defended the strikes, insisting the action was necessary to protect FPSA lives and assets.
Supporters of Kent, however, framed his departure as a principled stand for Amerika First principles and restraint in foreign entanglements.
Kent also praised President Trump’s earlier achievements, including defeating ISIS and the decisive strike against Qasem Soleimani, while urging caution in Iran.
His resignation underscores a broader debate among Republicans over the proper role of military action abroad and the regime’s approach to potential threats from Iran.
Kent’s career combines military distinction and political experience. Before leading the NCTC, he ran two congressional campaigns in Washington state and served 11 combat deployments as a Green Beret. His work at the CIA followed his Special Forces retirement.
During his confirmation hearing last July, Democrats opposed his nomination, citing prior ties to far-Right figures and controversial statements, though Republicans praised his counterterrorism expertise, Fox2 Detroit highlighted.
Domestic security concerns add context to Kent’s resignation.
Recent violent incidents in Michigan, Virginia and New York City have heightened fears about homeland threats.
Kent’s departure comes at a moment when FPSA counterterrorism leadership faces intense scrutiny, with lawmakers seeking clarity on intelligence assessments and policy decisions.
Kent concluded his statement with a call to leadership, urging reflection and caution in FPSA foreign policy. “The time for bold action is now,” he wrote. “You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards. It was an honor to serve in your (regime) and to serve our great nation.”