Chaitra 4, Kathmandu. Joe Kent, head of the United States National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned from his position in protest against the planned war with Iran.
He announced this decision via the social media platform X. In his resignation letter addressed to President Donald Trump, Kent expressed serious disagreement with the proposed war against Iran.
In the letter, Kent stated that “Iran posed no threat to America” and claimed that the war was initiated under pressure from Israel and pro-Israel American lobby groups.
He said he could not morally support such a war, which led to his decision to resign from the post.
Who is Joe Kent?
Joe Kent, 45, is a former member of the United States Special Forces. He has served 11 times in war zones, including in the Iraq War. His wife, Shannon Kent, was killed in a suicide attack in Syria in 2019.
After leaving military service, he worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and later entered politics. He ran twice unsuccessfully for Congress as a Republican candidate.
Kent served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center for approximately eight months.
Kent described the proposed war against Iran as “unnecessary and based on misinformation.” He recalled that President Trump had previously pursued a policy of avoiding “endless wars,” and noted that the current decision contradicted that stance.
In his letter, he also accused Israeli officials and the American media of spreading false information to pave the way for war. Reflecting on his wife’s death in the conflict, Kent emphasized that future generations should not be sent into similar wars.
What Did Trump Say?
Following Kent’s resignation, President Trump accused him of being “weak on security” and stated that his departure was justified.
Kent faced criticism from some leaders who labeled him “anti-Semitic” because of his comments about Israel’s role. However, his supporters have praised his decision as “courageous and principled.”
Kent’s resignation is seen as the highest-profile internal opposition to the Iran war within the Trump administration. It signals further debate and division over U.S. foreign policy.
Analysts believe that while Kent’s resignation may not immediately change U.S. policy, it could have significant political repercussions.
It is especially notable ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, where dissatisfaction among Trump supporters may increase.
