Senate Confirms Joe Kent as NCTC Director
The Senate recently confirmed former special operations soldier Joe Kent as the director of the National Center for Anti-Terrorism (NCTC) with a vote of 52-44.
In a post on X, Kent expressed his honor at returning to serve the country and emphasized his commitment to the fight against terrorism. He also extended his gratitude to President Donald Trump and National Intelligence Director Tarsi Gabbard for their trust in him.
Kent stated that the NCTC is dedicated to “relentlessly pursuing and defeating enemies in our country,” adding, “We will fight in honor of our fallen.”
Senator Tom Tillis (R-NC) was the only Republican opposing Kent’s confirmation. According to the Associated Press, Kent’s nomination received criticism from Democrats, who highlighted concerns about his connections to far-right figures and conspiracy theories.
Despite Kent’s support from some, Democrats voiced strong opposition to his confirmation. They referred to his past ties to far-right groups, noting that during the 2022 Congressional Campaign, he worked with Graham Jorgensen, affiliated with the Proud Boys, for consulting services. Additionally, he collaborated with Joey Gibson, founder of the far-right group Patriot Prayer, to gather support.
Earlier reports indicated that Trump announced Kent’s appointment as NCTC director, highlighting Kent’s experience as a soldier, Green Beret, and CIA officer.
Trump remarked on Kent’s understanding of the severe impacts of terrorism, sharing that he lost his wife, Shannon, in the line of duty. At the time, Trump mentioned that Kent honors her legacy by continuing the fight against terrorism to help protect the nation.
Shannon Kent was among four Americans who died in a suicide attack in Manbij, Syria, on January 16, 2019, as noted by the Women’s Warriors Foundation. She was the first female U.S. combat death in Syria since the beginning of operations against ISIS.
In previous reports, it was noted that Kent ran against Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District in 2022 and is expected to run again in 2024.
