Top Trump Counterterrorism Official Resigns, Blasts Iran War

Joe Kent's bombshell resignation letter criticizing the president's policies causes chaos in the White House.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on Tuesday in protest over President Trump's decision to go to war with Iran. In a scathing resignation letter posted on social media, Kent claimed Iran posed no imminent threat to the U.S. and suggested Trump was influenced by pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby. The White House was caught off guard by Kent's public resignation, sparking panic and forcing officials to condemn his criticism of the president's policies.

Why it matters

Kent's resignation and public criticism of the president's decision to go to war with Iran have caused a major political crisis for the Trump administration. The fallout highlights the deep divisions within the administration over foreign policy and national security issues, as well as the influence of pro-Israel groups on the president's decision-making.

The details

In his resignation letter, Kent wrote that he could not 'in good conscience' support the war with Iran, which he said posed 'no imminent threat' to the U.S. He suggested Trump was drawn into the conflict due to 'pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.' The White House was caught off guard by Kent's decision to post the letter on social media, where it quickly went viral, causing major embarrassment for the president. Several administration officials, including the White House press secretary, were forced to condemn Kent's claims and defend Trump's decision to go to war.

  • On Monday, Kent informed top administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, that he planned to resign.
  • On Tuesday, Kent posted his resignation letter on social media, catching the White House by surprise.

The players

Joe Kent

The former director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned in protest over President Trump's decision to go to war with Iran.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who made the decision to go to war with Iran, despite Kent's claims that Iran posed no imminent threat.

JD Vance

The Vice President of the United States who was aware of Kent's plans to resign but urged him to inform the president and White House chief of staff first.

Susie Wiles

The White House Chief of Staff who was informed of Kent's resignation plans but was caught off guard by his decision to post the letter on social media.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who issued a statement condemning Kent's claims and defending the president's decision to go to war with Iran.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are many false claims in this letter but let me address one specifically: that 'Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation.' This is the same false claim that Democrats and some in the liberal media have been repeating over and over.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (X)

“As President Trump has clearly and explicitly stated, he had strong and compelling evidence that Iran was going to attack the United States first.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (X)

“It's a good thing that he's out because he said Iran was not a threat.”

— Donald Trump (The Oval Office)

“The letter contains virulent anti-Semitism.”

— Mitch McConnell, Senator, Kentucky (N/A)

“Kent is repeating the 'oldest storyline in the world' that 'if it weren't for the Jews, we'd all be safe.'”

— Lindsey Graham, Senator, South Carolina (N/A)

What’s next

The White House is expected to quickly name a new director of the National Counterterrorism Center to replace Kent and restore unity within the administration's national security team.

The takeaway

Kent's resignation and public criticism of the president's Iran policy have exposed deep divisions within the Trump administration and the influence of pro-Israel groups on the president's decision-making. This crisis highlights the challenges the White House faces in maintaining a cohesive national security strategy amidst competing political and ideological pressures.