Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, urging Trump to 'reverse
3 hours ago
- #counterterrorism
- #Trump administration
- #US-Iran tensions
- Joe Kent, the National Counterterrorism Center Director, resigned over the war in Iran, urging Trump to 'reverse course'.
- Kent claimed Iran posed 'no imminent threat' and accused the administration of starting the war due to pressure from Israel and its lobby.
- Kent, a US special forces and CIA veteran, cited his military service and his wife's death in Syria as reasons for his stance.
- The White House dismissed Kent's claims, stating Trump had 'compelling evidence' Iran planned to attack the US first.
- Trump called Kent 'weak on security' and said his resignation was 'a good thing'.
- Kent alleged 'high-ranking Israeli officials' and US journalists spread misinformation to push for war, undermining Trump's 'America First' platform.
- Kent's resignation marks the most high-profile criticism of the US-Israeli operation in Iran from within the Trump administration.
- Kent had controversial ties to extremist groups and previously made disputed claims about the January 6 riots and the 2020 election.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected Kent's claims as 'insulting and laughable'.
- Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson praised Kent as 'the bravest man' he knows, despite potential backlash.