Former Counter-Terrorism Chief Joe Kent Under FBI Investigation for Alleged Leaks

Joe Kent, who recently resigned as the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center director, is reportedly under investigation by the FBI's criminal division over alleged leaks of classified information. The probe began prior to his departure, which he attributed to his inability to support the ongoing war in Iran.

FBI Probe Confirmed by Sources

Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that Joe Kent is the subject of an FBI investigation concerning the alleged disclosure of classified information. The probe, handled by the FBI's criminal division, commenced before Kent's resignation from his top counter-terrorism post earlier this week.

Taylor Budowich, former deputy White House chief of staff, publicly claimed after Kent's resignation that he was "often at the center of national security leaks," though specific details were not provided.

Contentious Resignation Over Iran War

Kent announced his resignation on Tuesday, stating he could not "in good conscience" support the war in Iran, arguing that the country "posed no imminent threat" to the United States. This assertion was quickly dismissed by the White House.

In his resignation letter to President Trump, Kent controversially suggested the conflict was initiated "due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby." These claims were widely criticized, with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) labeling them "old-age antisemitic tropes." Kent reiterated these claims during an interview with right-wing podcaster Tucker Carlson on Wednesday evening.

White House and Trump's Response

The White House firmly rejected Kent's rationale for resignation, asserting that President Trump possessed "compelling evidence" of an imminent Iranian attack on the U.S. President Trump himself commented on Kent's departure, calling him a "nice guy" but adding it was "a good thing" he was out of government, stating he had always considered Kent "very weak on security."

Joe Kent's Background

A decorated veteran of the U.S. military and a long-time supporter of Donald Trump, Joe Kent was nominated by the president early in his administration and confirmed to his director role in July 2025. He had also previously made unsuccessful bids for Congress twice.

Olley News Insight: High-level resignations from national security posts, particularly those involving allegations of classified information leaks, often trigger significant scrutiny. The intertwining of policy disagreements and alleged misconduct can complicate public understanding and internal investigations, raising questions about accountability and the integrity of national intelligence operations.

Key Takeaways

  • Joe Kent, former U.S. National Counterterrorism Center director, is under FBI investigation for alleged leaks of classified information.
  • The investigation by the FBI's criminal division predates his resignation.
  • Kent resigned, citing his opposition to the war in Iran and claiming the country posed no imminent threat.
  • His resignation letter included controversial claims linking the Iran war to pressure from Israel, which the ADL labeled antisemitic.
  • The White House and President Trump dismissed Kent's claims, with Trump calling him "very weak on security."
  • Kent is a decorated veteran and long-time Trump supporter, confirmed to his role in July 2025.