FBI Probes Ex-Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Over Alleged Leaks
FBI is investigating whether Joe Kent leaked classified information while serving as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, with the probe reportedly beginning before his resignation.
ABC NewsFormer counterterrorism official Joe Kent under investigation over alleged leaks: Sources
Associated PressFBI investigating whether departed counterterrorism official leaked classified info, AP source says
NBC NewsFBI conducting leak investigation into former Trump official who resigned over Iran war
RedStateReport: FBI Has Been Investigating Joe Kent for Months Over Classified Leak Allegations
Overview
The FBI is investigating whether Joe Kent improperly leaked classified information, and sources said the probe began before his resignation as director of the National Counterterrorism Center.
The investigation is being handled by the FBI's Criminal Division, and officials have declined to comment as details about what information is involved remain unclear, sources said.
Kent resigned Tuesday in protest of the Iran war, saying Iran posed no imminent threat and accusing Israel of driving U.S. policy, and he expanded on those claims in an interview with Tucker Carlson.
The White House pushed back, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt calling Kent's claims false and President Donald Trump saying he thought Kent was "weak on security," while allies and officials distanced themselves.
Kent, a former Green Beret who served 11 combat deployments over a 20-year Army career, said he expected attempts to discredit him and welcomed a chance to speak with President Donald Trump.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by emphasizing potential misconduct and controversy around Kent: leading with an FBI probe, foregrounding past extremist ties and incendiary statements, and highlighting White House rebuttals. Language choices (e.g., “vehemently pushed back”), selective sourcing, and placement of critical background material collectively cast doubt on Kent’s credibility.
FAQ
Joe Kent is a former Green Beret with 20 years in the U.S. Army, including 11 combat deployments, service in the 75th Ranger Regiment and Army Special Forces, and later as a CIA paramilitary officer. His first wife, Shannon Kent, was killed in a 2019 suicide bombing in Syria.
Trump nominated Joe Kent in February 2025; he was confirmed by the Senate on July 30, 2025, in a 52–44 party-line vote.
Joe Kent resigned on March 16-17, 2026, protesting U.S. involvement in the Iran war, stating Iran posed no imminent threat and accusing Israel and its lobby of influencing the decision.
The FBI's Criminal Division is investigating whether Joe Kent leaked classified information during his tenure; the probe began before his resignation, but details on the information involved are unclear and officials have declined to comment.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called Kent's claims false; President Trump described him as 'weak on security,' and allies distanced themselves.
