Joe Kent, the outgoing director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, has stepped down in protest over the Trump administration’s military action against Iran, drawing a sharp response from Donald Trump.
Kent announced his resignation, stating he could not support what he described as a war lacking clear justification. He argued that Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States and suggested the conflict may have been influenced by external pressures—claims strongly dismissed by Trump.
Speaking at the White House, Trump criticised Kent, labeling him “weak on security” and insisting there was no room in his administration for officials who downplay the risks posed by Iran.
“They’re not smart people, or they’re not savvy people,” Trump said. “Iran was a tremendous threat.”
Kent, who assumed the role last year, oversaw intelligence operations aimed at identifying and preventing terrorist threats. His resignation underscores growing divisions within Trump’s administration and political allies over the rationale behind the Iran campaign.
Some lawmakers, including Mark Warner, have supported Kent’s concerns and called for scrutiny of the intelligence used to justify the conflict. However, Republican figures such as Mike Johnson have defended the president’s decision, maintaining that there was credible evidence of an imminent threat.
The development comes amid heightened tensions, with concerns over domestic security rising after recent violent incidents across several U.S. states. Meanwhile, intelligence officials are expected to face increased questioning from lawmakers regarding the Iran war and the evidence behind it.