US President Donald Trump said it was a “good thing” that Joe Kent resigned as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, sharply criticising him as “very weak on security” following his decision to step down over the ongoing US military campaign in Iran.
Speaking to reporters, Trump made it clear that officials who disagree with the administration’s stance on the Iran conflict have no place in his government, stating, “We don’t want those people.” His remarks came shortly after Kent publicly announced his resignation, citing strong opposition to the war.
In his resignation statement, Kent said he could not support the military action, arguing that Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States. He also claimed that the conflict had been initiated due to pressure from Israel, a point that has added to the controversy surrounding the war.
Kent’s departure marks the first high-profile resignation within the administration directly linked to the Iran conflict, which has now entered its third week and continues to escalate tensions across the Middle East. His exit has drawn attention to internal disagreements within the US leadership over the justification and strategy behind the military operation.
As head of the National Counterterrorism Center, Kent oversaw a key intelligence body responsible for analysing terrorist threats and coordinating efforts across agencies such as the Pentagon, intelligence services, and federal law enforcement. His resignation has therefore raised concerns about continuity in counterterrorism coordination during a period of heightened global instability.
The development has also reignited debate in Washington over the legal and strategic basis for the war. Critics argue that international norms typically require clear evidence of an imminent threat before launching military action, a position Kent emphasised in his objections.
Kent, a former US Army Green Beret and former CIA officer, had previously advocated an “America First” approach and was known for opposing prolonged foreign military engagements. His appointment to the role had itself been contentious, though he was confirmed by the Senate with a narrow margin.
Meanwhile, Trump has rejected suggestions that the US acted under Israeli pressure. He earlier stated that Iran posed a threat and that the strikes were pre-emptive, even suggesting that the US may have influenced Israel’s timing rather than the other way around.
The resignation has highlighted growing divisions within the administration, as questions continue to emerge over the direction and consequences of the US involvement in the Iran conflict.
