Former Trump Official Resigns Over Iran War, Faces FBI Probe

Joe Kent, a longtime Trump ally, says he disagreed with the decision to go to war against Iran.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:41am

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A former senior intelligence official who resigned in protest over the Iran war is under investigation by the FBI for allegedly leaking classified information. Joe Kent, a longtime Trump ally and retired Green Beret, announced his resignation as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, saying he disagreed with the decision to go to war against Iran and that the regime did not pose 'an imminent threat' as the Trump administration has asserted.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing tensions within the Trump administration over the decision to go to war with Iran, with some officials like Kent voicing dissent over the perceived threat level. The FBI investigation into the alleged leak of classified information also raises questions about the administration's handling of sensitive national security matters.

The details

According to a source familiar with the matter, the FBI investigation into Kent predated his resignation announcement on Tuesday. Kent told Tucker Carlson that he expects there will be attempts to 'discredit' him for his protest, but he said he would welcome a chance to speak to President Donald Trump directly. Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, pushed back on Kent's comments, saying the president is responsible for determining what qualifies as an imminent threat.

  • On March 19, 2026, Joe Kent announced his resignation as director of the National Counterterrorism Center.
  • The FBI investigation into Kent reportedly began before his resignation announcement.

The players

Joe Kent

A former senior intelligence official who resigned in protest over the Iran war and is now under investigation by the FBI for allegedly leaking classified information. Kent is a longtime Trump ally and retired Green Beret.

Tulsi Gabbard

The Director of National Intelligence, who pushed back on Kent's comments about the perceived threat level from Iran, stating that the president is responsible for determining what qualifies as an imminent threat.

Donald Trump

The president who made the decision to go to war with Iran, which Kent disagreed with.

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What they’re saying

“I understand the way I left and writing the letter that there's parts of this administration that are going to have to come after me and try and discredit me. I understand that, but I think the president is someone who listens.”

— Joe Kent, Former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center

“The president is responsible for determining what qualifies as an imminent threat. My office acts to coordinate intelligence that provides Trump with the best information possible.”

— Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence

What’s next

The FBI investigation into Joe Kent's alleged leak of classified information is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether any charges will be filed against him.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing divisions within the Trump administration over the decision to go to war with Iran, with some officials like Kent voicing dissent over the perceived threat level. The FBI investigation into the alleged leak of classified information also raises questions about the administration's handling of sensitive national security matters and the consequences for those who challenge the official narrative.