Joe Kent Under FBI Investigation for Classified Leaks After Explosive Iran War Resignation

Joe Kent Resigns Over Iran War and Now Faces FBI Probe for Leaking Classified Intelligence

Joe Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), is now under FBI investigation for allegedly leaking classified information. The probe was first reported by Semafor on March 18, 2026, and has since been confirmed by CBS News and NBC News.

Kent, a retired Green Beret who served 11 combat deployments over a 20 year Army Special Forces career, resigned from his post on March 17, 2026. In his resignation letter, Kent stated he could not support the ongoing war in Iran.

I cannot in good conscience support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people.

The former intelligence official, who also served at the CIA, argued that Iran posed no imminent threat and claimed the administration had been influenced by Israeli interests pushing for military action.

In an interview with Tucker Carlson on Wednesday, Kent doubled down on his claims, asserting there was "no intelligence" supporting the assertion that Iran posed an immediate threat or was developing nuclear weapons.

I understand the way I left and writing the letter that there's parts of this administration that are going to have to come after me and try and discredit me.

Kent expressed willingness to speak directly with President Trump, saying he believes the president "is someone who listens."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back on Kent's assertions, stating the president "had strong and compelling evidence that Iran was going to attack the United States first." She described Kent's claims about Israeli influence as "insulting and laughable."

President Trump characterized Kent as "very weak on security," saying his departure demonstrated good judgment by the administration. According to Fox News, Kent had already been cut out of planning meetings for Operation Epic Fury and the president's daily briefings before his resignation.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was reportedly unaware of the FBI probe. The investigation, handled by the FBI's Counterintelligence Division, reportedly predates Kent's departure by months.

FBI Investigates Former NCTC Director Joe Kent Over Alleged Classified Information Leaks

Kent's wife, Shannon Kent, was a Navy cryptologist killed in a 2019 terrorist bombing in Syria. Joe Kent ran unsuccessful congressional campaigns in Washington state in 2022 and 2024 before being appointed to lead the NCTC under the Trump administration.

The FBI and the White House have both declined to comment on the investigation.

The Crusader's Opinion

Here is what concerns me most about this entire situation. Whether Kent is right or wrong about Iran, the fact remains that classified intelligence should never be leaked. Period. Our men and women in uniform depend on the integrity of that chain. If Kent truly believed the war was unjust, there are proper channels for whistleblowing that do not compromise national security. The real question every Christian should be asking is this: are we being told the truth about why we are sending our sons and daughters to fight? Pray for discernment. Pray for our leaders. And demand transparency, because the lives of our soldiers are not political bargaining chips.

Take Action

• Pray daily for wisdom and discernment for U.S. military and intelligence leaders making decisions that affect soldiers' lives.
• Contact your U.S. representatives and demand transparency on the intelligence justifying military action in Iran. Find your representative at house.gov.
• Support military families and veterans through the American Gold Star Mothers organization.
• Donate to The Shepherd's Shield to support persecuted Christians worldwide who are caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflicts.
• Share this story with your church community and start a conversation about the Christian responsibility to hold government accountable for truthful governance.