Trump Rips Joe Kent After Resignation, Raises Leak Allegations
President Donald Trump on Monday blasted former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, signaling a sharp break with the ex-official following his resignation and public criticism of the administration’s Iran policy.
Speaking to reporters, Trump made clear he was done with Kent.
“Look, I’m not a fan of the guy,” Trump said, adding that he had previously tried to help Kent after personal and political setbacks by bringing him into the administration.
President Trump says he is not a fan of Joe Kent. pic.twitter.com/8yVV5FZX5d
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Trump expressed frustration that Kent turned against the administration after being given a role, saying, “I said, ‘Call him up, give him a job,’ and this is what he does.”
The president also suggested Kent could be under scrutiny by federal authorities over potential leaks of classified information, referencing reports that investigators are examining whether sensitive material was improperly shared.
“I hear they’re looking at him for leaking. That’s possible,” Trump said, though no formal charges or findings have been publicly confirmed.
Kent resigned last week in protest of the administration’s military campaign against Iran, arguing in his departure letter that the country “posed no imminent threat” to the United States and claiming the conflict was driven by outside pressure.
Those claims have been forcefully rejected by top officials.
Vice President JD Vance emphasized that administration officials are expected to support presidential decisions once they are made, suggesting Kent’s resignation was appropriate if he could not do so.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also criticized Kent’s remarks, particularly his comments blaming Israel, calling them concerning during congressional questioning.
Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe directly contradicted Kent’s central claim, stating that Iran has posed both a long-term and immediate threat to the United States.
Trump went further in his criticism by referencing Kent’s personal life, noting that he remarried relatively soon after the death of his wife, a comment that added a personal edge to the dispute.
Since stepping down, Kent has continued to speak out against the war effort in media appearances, including interviews with Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, where he has argued the conflict does not serve American interests.
Inside Trump’s orbit, criticism has been even harsher, with allies accusing Kent of undermining the administration and seeking attention following his departure.
The escalating feud highlights growing tensions within conservative circles over the Iran conflict, even as the administration maintains a unified public stance on the threat posed by Tehran.