President Donald Trump addressed the resignation of the nation’s top counterterrorism official during an Oval Office meeting, responding after the official stepped down in protest over U.S. involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Joe Kent, who served as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation Tuesday, citing objections to the war and the reasoning behind U.S. involvement.

In a public statement, Kent said, “After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.”

Kent made clear that his decision was tied to the administration’s current military posture.

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“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he said.

He further stated his view of the circumstances leading to the conflict, saying, “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

Kent also referenced his personal background and military service in explaining his position.

“As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives,” he added.

After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.

I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this… pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr — Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026

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The resignation drew attention inside Washington as questions emerged about Kent’s role within the administration prior to his departure.

According to Fox News White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, Kent had been described as a “known leaker” and had reportedly been excluded from President Trump’s intelligence briefings for months leading up to his resignation.

Senior admin official says Joe Kent was “a known leaker” - and was cut out of POTUS intelligence briefings months ago. He has not been part of any Iran planning discussions or briefings at all.

Official says also the White House told DNI Gabbard Kent should be fired for… — Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) March 17, 2026

President Trump was asked about Kent’s departure during a meeting with Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the White House. In his response, Trump questioned Kent’s approach to national security.

“I always thought he was weak on security. Very weak on security,” Trump said.

Trump also noted that he did not have an extensive relationship with Kent personally.

“I didn’t know him well. But I thought he seemed like a pretty nice guy,” he said.

The president said his view changed after reviewing Kent’s resignation statement, particularly the claim that Iran did not present a threat.

“But when I read his statement, I realized that it’s a good thing he’s out because he said Iran was not a threat,” Trump added.

Kent’s resignation comes amid continued debate in Washington over U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict and the broader strategy guiding counterterrorism and national security operations.

His remarks marked a direct break with the administration’s position, particularly regarding the assessment of Iran as a threat and the motivations behind military engagement.

The National Counterterrorism Center plays a central role in coordinating intelligence and counterterrorism efforts across federal agencies.

Leadership changes at the agency are closely watched due to their potential impact on national security policy and intelligence coordination.

Kent’s departure leaves a vacancy at a time when the administration continues to manage international security concerns and ongoing military operations in the region.

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