US Counterterrorism Chief Joseph Kent Steps Down, Criticizes Trump for Iran War Decision
Joseph Kent resigns from his position in US counterterrorism, alleging that Trump is instigating an unwarranted conflict with Iran due to pressure from Israel and a campaign of misinformation.
Joseph Kent has stepped down from his position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, issuing a sharp criticism of Donald Trump’s administration regarding its choice to engage in military action in Iran.
Kent announced his immediate departure in a resignation letter released as a press statement, stating, “After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.”
Kent expressed that his decision stemmed from a deep opposition to US military involvement, declaring, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran.” Iran did not present an immediate danger to our country, and it is evident that this conflict was initiated under the influence of Israel and its strong American supporters.
Kent remarked, referencing Trump’s previous political stances, “I endorse the values and foreign policies that you advocated for in 2016, 2020, and 2024, which you implemented during your first term.” By June of 2025, you recognized that the conflicts in the Middle East were a snare that took away the invaluable lives of our heroes and drained the resources and prosperity of our country.
He acknowledged the President’s previous military strategy, remarking, “In your first administration, you grasped more effectively than any contemporary President how to apply military power decisively without entangling us in perpetual conflicts.” You showcased this through the elimination of Qasem Soleimani and the defeat of ISIS.
Nevertheless, Kent claimed that outside entities were swaying US policy, asserting that there was a deliberate campaign of misinformation at play. “At the outset of this administration, senior Israeli officials and prominent figures in the American media launched a misinformation campaign that completely undermined your America First platform and fostered pro-war sentiments to promote a conflict with Iran,” he stated.
He additionally asserted, “This echo chamber was employed to mislead you into thinking that Iran represented an immediate danger to the United States and that if you acted now, there was a straightforward route to a quick triumph.” This was a falsehood that mirrors the strategy employed by the Israelis to entangle us in the catastrophic Iraq war that resulted in the loss of thousands of our finest men and women. We must not allow this error to happen once more.
Reflecting on his journey, Kent highlighted the profound human toll of war, asserting, “As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war instigated by Israel, I cannot endorse sending the next generation into a conflict that offers no advantage to the American people nor justifies the sacrifice of American lives.”
He ended his letter with a straightforward appeal to the President: “I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran and who we are doing it for.” Now is the moment for decisive action. You have the option to change direction and create a new trajectory for our country, or you can permit us to descend further into decline and disorder. You possess the cards.
Kent remarked, “It was a privilege to serve in your administration and to serve our wonderful nation.”
The resignation signifies a notable internal divide within the US national security establishment, prompting new inquiries regarding the administration’s foreign policy trajectory and the rationale behind the Iran conflict.
