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

Joe Kent Resigns From National Counterterrorism Center Over Iran War, Now Faces FBI Leak Investigation

Joe Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), is now under FBI investigation for allegedly leaking classified information, just days after resigning his post in protest over the war in Iran.

Kent, a retired Army Green Beret and former CIA paramilitary officer, submitted his resignation on March 17, 2026, stating he could not "in good conscience support" the ongoing military conflict with Iran. In his resignation letter, Kent claimed Iran "posed no imminent threat" to the United States and accused Israeli interests of driving the decision toward military action.

The FBI investigation, first reported by Semafor and confirmed by CBS News, reportedly began months before Kent's departure. Former deputy White House chief of staff Taylor Budowich alleged on social media that Kent was "often at the center of national security leaks" and had "spent all of his time working to subvert the chain of command and undermine the President."

In a nearly two hour interview with Tucker Carlson on March 18, Kent doubled down on his claims. He stated that intelligence assessments did not show Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon, and alleged that Israel conducted a "misinformation campaign" that undermined the America First platform.

The Israelis drove the decision to take this action, which we knew would set off a series of events, meaning the Iranians would retaliate.

Joe Kent told Tucker Carlson during the interview.

Kent also claimed that decision makers within the administration were "not allowed" to express dissenting opinions and that there was a lack of "robust debate" before military action was taken.

President Donald Trump responded by calling Kent "a nice guy" but "very weak on security." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt disputed Kent's assertions, stating that Iran was "aggressively expanding" its ballistic missile capabilities and was close to nuclear capability. Leavitt called Kent's claims "insulting and laughable."

Kent was confirmed by the Senate to lead the NCTC last summer after serving as chief of staff to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Before entering government, he ran unsuccessful Congressional campaigns in 2022 and 2024.

FBI Investigates Former NCTC Director Joe Kent Over Classified Leaks Amid Iran War Controversy

The investigation raises serious questions about the intersection of national security, political dissent, and government accountability. Kent's case has already become a flashpoint in the broader debate over the justification for the Iran conflict and the handling of classified intelligence within the Trump administration.

The Crusader's Opinion

The story of Joe Kent should concern every American who values both national security and honest governance. When a decorated Green Beret with over eleven combat deployments tells the American people that intelligence was manipulated to justify a war, we should listen carefully. Christians are called to be peacemakers, and that means demanding the truth from those who send our sons and daughters into battle. Whether Kent is vindicated or condemned, the American people deserve transparency, not retaliation against those who speak out. Pray for discernment and for leaders who fear God more than they fear political consequences.

Take Action

• Pray daily for American servicemen and women deployed in the Middle East and for wisdom among national leaders making decisions about war and peace.
• Contact your U.S. representatives and senators through the Congressional Directory to demand transparency and debate before military action is taken in your name.
• Support organizations providing aid to Christians displaced by conflict in the Middle East through Open Doors or Voice of the Martyrs.
• Support persecuted believers worldwide through The Shepherd's Shield, which provides direct assistance to Christians in crisis.
• Stay informed by reading multiple news sources about the Iran conflict and share factual reporting with your church community to encourage informed prayer.