Trump's Iran War Divides MAGA Base as Kent Resigns

High-profile resignation of counterterrorism chief fuels dissent within former president's coalition.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:20am

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Former President Trump is facing dissent within his own 'MAGA' coalition over the ongoing conflict with Iran, which was initiated with US air strikes in February. The most visible sign of this internal conflict came with the resignation of Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, who alleged the war was launched under 'pressure' from Israel and that Iran 'posed no imminent threat' to the US. Trump swiftly dismissed Kent's concerns, but the resignation has sent shockwaves through Washington and exposed a rift between those advocating for intervention and those wary of foreign entanglements.

Why it matters

The war with Iran has exposed a divide within Trump's political base, which could pose a challenge to maintaining unity within his broad coalition. While public support among Republicans remains relatively strong, the conflict could alienate segments of his base, especially if the potential costs in terms of casualties and economic impact become clearer.

The details

Kent's resignation letter criticized the decision to go to war, alleging Iran 'posed no imminent threat' to the US and that the conflict was launched under 'pressure' from Israel. Trump dismissed Kent's concerns, stating it was 'a good thing that [he] is out' and accusing him of downplaying the threat. The White House press secretary also criticized Kent's letter as containing 'many false claims.' Other prominent figures on the right, including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and podcaster Joe Rogan, have also expressed reservations about the conflict. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Georgia congresswoman and Trump ally, publicly defended Kent, calling him a 'GREAT AMERICAN HERO.'

  • The conflict with Iran was initiated with US air strikes in February 2026.
  • Joe Kent resigned from his position as director of the National Counterterrorism Center in mid-March 2026.
  • Key intelligence officials, including Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, are scheduled to testify before Congress in the coming weeks.

The players

Joe Kent

The former director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned in protest over the conflict with Iran, alleging the war was launched under 'pressure' from Israel and that Iran 'posed no imminent threat' to the US.

Donald Trump

The former president who initiated the conflict with Iran and dismissed Kent's concerns, stating it was 'a good thing that [he] is out' and accusing him of downplaying the threat.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary who criticized Kent's resignation letter as containing 'many false claims.'

Tulsi Gabbard

The director of national intelligence who is scheduled to testify before Congress in the coming weeks and has previously warned Trump against a war with Iran.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

A former Georgia congresswoman and Trump ally who publicly defended Kent, calling him a 'GREAT AMERICAN HERO.'

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.