Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has resigned from his position in protest against President Donald Trump’s decision to wage war on Iran.
Kent stepped down on March 17, saying he could not support the ongoing military campaign. In a public statement explaining his decision, he said the war was unnecessary and that Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States.
The resignation marks one of the most prominent internal disagreements within the administration since the conflict began. Kent became the first senior national security official to quit over the war, highlighting growing divisions in Washington about the justification for the military action.
In his resignation message, Kent argued that the decision to go to war contradicted the “America First” approach that had previously focused on avoiding new overseas conflicts. He also suggested that pressure from allies and political interests played a role in pushing the United States into the confrontation.
However, the White House rejected his criticism. President Trump defended the military operation, stating that intelligence reports indicated Iran was preparing attacks against US interests. Administration officials said the decision to act was based on credible information about an imminent threat.
Kent has a long background in national security. Before entering government leadership, he served as a US Army Special Forces soldier and later worked as a paramilitary officer for the CIA. He was appointed head of the National Counterterrorism Center in 2025.
His departure comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. The conflict involving the United States, Iran and regional allies has raised concerns about the possibility of a wider regional war and its impact on global stability.
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