FBI Investigates Former Trump Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent for Alleged Leaks
The FBI is conducting an investigation into Joe Kent, who previously served as Donald Trump’s top counter-terrorism official, regarding allegations of leaking classified information.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has initiated an inquiry into Joe Kent, a former senior counterterrorism official during Donald Trump’s presidency, regarding allegations of leaking classified information.
Sources cited by CBS News indicate that the investigation, managed by the FBI’s criminal division, commenced before Kent’s resignation earlier this week as director of the National Counterterrorism Center. The FBI has chosen not to provide any public comments on the issue, and Kent has not yet replied to inquiries concerning the allegations.
Kent resigned from his role on Tuesday, citing his disagreement with the United States’ participation in the ongoing conflict with Iran. In his resignation letter, he contended that Iran presented “no imminent threat” to the US and implied that the war had been influenced by pressure from Israel and its allies—assertions quickly dismissed by the White House.
Following his departure, Taylor Budowich alleged that Kent was frequently involved in national security leaks and sought to disrupt the chain of command, although he did not offer details.
The controversy intensified after Kent’s public remarks, particularly during an interview with commentator Tucker Carlson, where he restated assertions that Israel significantly influenced the push for military action against Iran. He also asserted that there was no intelligence suggesting an imminent Iranian attack on the United States and raised concerns about the decision-making process that resulted in the strikes.
Kent further alleged that key government officials had restricted access to President Trump prior to the conflict, leading to what he characterized as an absence of “robust debate” before military action was initiated. He expressed that, despite his criticisms, his conversation with Trump after his resignation was amicable, noting that they separated “on good terms.”
The White House refuted Kent’s assertions, stating that the president acted based on “compelling evidence” that Iran was prepared to initiate a first strike. President Trump later referred to Kent as a “nice guy” but justified his removal, asserting it was “a good thing” he was no longer in government and criticizing him as “fragile on security.”
Kent, a steadfast supporter of Trump who made two unsuccessful bids for Congress, was nominated early in the administration and confirmed as the head of the National Counterterrorism Center in July 2025.
The investigation represents a notable advancement in the aftermath of Kent’s resignation, prompting new inquiries regarding internal rifts within the administration and the management of delicate national security information.
