International
US National Counterterrorism Chief Joseph Kent Resigns, Citing Opposition To Iran War, Questioning Administration Motives
In a resignation letter addressed directly to President Donald Trump, Kent made clear that his departure was immediate, and framed it as a matter of principle.
Washington, D.C.– Joseph Kent, the Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has tendered his resignation, openly criticising the Trump administration’s military actions in Iran and alleging undue influence from Israel and powerful pro-war factions within American media.
In a resignation letter addressed directly to President Donald Trump, Kent made clear that his departure was immediate, and framed it as a matter of principle.
“After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today,” Kent wrote, signaling a sharp break with the administration’s foreign policy.
Kent’s resignation, coming at a time of escalating tensions in the Middle East, is unprecedented in its candor. He specifically condemned the administration’s ongoing war in Iran, stating:
“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
The outgoing counterterrorism chief emphasised that his objection was rooted in longstanding principles he believed had guided the United States’ approach to foreign policy until recently.
“I support the values and the foreign policies that you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, 2024, which you enacted in your first term,” Kent wrote. “Until June of 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of the precious lives of our patriots and depleted the wealth and prosperity of our nation.”
Kent did not shy away from assigning responsibility for the current conflict. He accused “high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media” of orchestrating what he described as a misinformation campaign designed to sway U.S. policy.
“This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory. This was a lie,” he said, drawing parallels to the circumstances that precipitated the Iraq War.
Adding a deeply personal perspective, Kent highlighted the human cost of war.
“As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives,” he lamented.
Kent’s letter urged President Trump to reconsider the administration’s approach, warning of long-term consequences for the nation.
“I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for. The time for bold action is now. 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,” he wrote.
In closing, Kent expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the Trump administration: “It was an honor to serve in your administration and to serve our great nation.”
