Joe Kent Resignation From National Security Role
Joe Kent stepped down as national security adviser due to his objections to military actions against Iran. His resignation follows earlier public remarks where he warned about the dangers posed by Iran and backed military strikes involving ballistic missiles and nuclear risks.
Kent resigned as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center on March 17, 2026. He stated that he “cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” emphasizing that Iran does not present an imminent threat to the United States. He suggested the war was initiated under pressure from Israel and its influential lobby in the U.S.
In his resignation letter addressed to President Trump, Kent pointed out that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has resulted in the loss of American lives and drained national resources. He shared his own experiences as a veteran and a Gold Star husband, stating, “I cannot support sending the next generation to die in a war that provides no benefit to the American people.”
This perspective marks a departure from Kent’s previous statements on social media, where he labeled Iran as a significant threat and argued for direct military engagement.
Back on January 8, 2020, he tweeted: “President Trump’s restraint shows he wants a deal with Iran, and the red line he won’t cross is the loss of American life and IR nuclear development.”
In that discussion, he also remarked that the military is merely a proxy within range of infrared weaponry and lacking a significant American mission. He conveyed that this approach is why some citizens support Trump’s administration during wartime.
In another tweet, he expressed a personal belief that Iran’s ballistic and nuclear capabilities should have already been neutralized, but stated, “Trump has a plan.” He conveyed trust in Trump’s judgment to those observing the situation critically.
On September 29, 2024, he tweeted again about Iran’s efforts to undermine the Abraham Accords, claiming that historical partnerships had isolated Iran’s regime. He credited Trump for using diplomacy, economic sanctions, and targeted military actions to manage Iran’s influence, asserting that the removal of Iranian leader Qassim Soleimani facilitated Israel’s operations against Hezbollah.
Kent acknowledged in his statements that prior U.S. policies have helped curb Iran’s activities and tied the country to broader regional turmoil, particularly related to events occurring on October 7, 2024.
A few days later, on October 7, he posted about President Biden allegedly granting Iran access to substantial financial resources. He contrasted this with Trump’s strategies that fostered peace through the Abraham Accords, curtailed Iranian funding, and eliminated major terrorists. He proclaimed that such policies created a safer environment for America and its allies, aiming to move away from neoconservative policies.
These social media posts underscored the significance of Iranian financial access, Iran’s involvement in regional unrest, and the necessity for U.S. initiatives targeting networks affiliated with Iran.
