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Former Trump Ally Joe Kent Resigns from National Security Post
Kent's resignation comes amid scrutiny over his ties to far-right groups and election denialism.
Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:30am
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Joe Kent, a former Trump campaign surrogate and congressional candidate, has unexpectedly resigned from his position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. Kent's resignation has sparked a backlash from the MAGA wing of the Republican party, with the White House branding him as 'weak on national security.' However, Kent's past associations with extremist groups and his involvement in efforts to challenge the 2020 election results have raised concerns about his motivations and the potential threat he may still pose.
Why it matters
Kent's resignation highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican party between traditional national security hawks and the more populist, anti-establishment MAGA faction. It also raises questions about the vetting process for senior national security positions and the potential for extremist views to infiltrate the government.
The details
Joe Kent, a former Army Special Forces officer, gained prominence within the MAGA movement after his wife's 'Dignified Transfer' ceremony in 2019, where he met then-President Trump. Kent subsequently joined the Trump 2020 campaign and positioned himself to run for Congress in Washington's 3rd District, challenging incumbent Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler over her vote to impeach Trump. Kent's campaign was boosted by appearances from controversial figures like Rep. Matt Gaetz, and he was reportedly involved in efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.
- Kent resigned from his position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center on March 21, 2026.
- In September 2021, Kent was interviewed by a journalist while campaigning with Rep. Matt Gaetz in Vancouver, Washington.
The players
Joe Kent
A former Army Special Forces officer and Trump campaign surrogate who recently resigned from his position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center.
Jaime Herrera Beutler
A Republican Congresswoman from Washington's 3rd District who voted to impeach former President Trump, leading to a primary challenge from Kent.
Matt Gaetz
A Republican Congressman from Florida who campaigned with Kent and used his official Twitter account to harass a journalist who interviewed the two.
What they’re saying
“Well, Kevin, I guess some people are more upset about the election results than others.”
— Donald Trump, Former President
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.
