FBI Probes Former Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent for Alleged Classified Leaks Following Iran War Resignation

Joe Kent is under FBI investigation for alleged classified leaks following his resignation as NCTC chief in protest of the Iran war.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 9:56 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the Associated Press / Daily Camera

A High-Stakes Departure Under Scrutiny

The resignation of the nation’s top counterterrorism official has transitioned from a political firestorm into a federal criminal inquiry. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed Wednesday that the FBI is investigating Joe Kent for the potential mishandling or intentional leaking of classified data. The probe reportedly began shortly before Kent’s formal resignation on Tuesday. While the specific nature of the information in question has not been disclosed, the timing suggests a connection to Kent’s internal opposition to the administration's strategic shift toward open conflict with Iran.

Kent’s Public Break with the Trump Administration

Joe Kent, a former Green Beret and Gold Star widower, announced his departure via a blunt statement on X (formerly Twitter). In his post, Kent stated he could "cannot in good conscience" support the military strikes in Iran, asserting that the country posed "no imminent threat" to the United States. He further alleged that the war was initiated due to outside political pressures rather than objective intelligence. This public defiance from the head of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) marks one of the most significant internal ruptures of the current conflict.

White House and Intelligence Community Response

President Trump addressed the resignation by dismissing Kent’s assessment, telling reporters he always viewed the official as "weak on security." The President emphasized that those who do not view Iran as a primary threat have no place in his administration. Other high-ranking officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, have also moved to distance themselves from Kent, defending the intelligence that led to the current military engagement. Critics of the investigation, however, point to a pattern of the Justice Department targeting political rivals, noting previous inquiries into figures like James Comey and Letitia James.