politics
March 20, 2026
FBI reportedly investigating former US counterterrorism chief Joe Kent
Former US counterterrorism chief Joe Kent, who accused Israel of drawing the US into a war with Iran, is under FBI investigation for alleged leaks, Semafor reports
TL;DR
- Joe Kent, former head of the US National Counterterrorism Center, is under FBI investigation for alleged improper sharing of classified information.
- Kent resigned in protest over the US-Israeli war on Iran, accusing Israel of manipulating intelligence and influencing President Trump's decisions.
- Trump administration allies and pro-Israel commentators have attempted to portray Kent as a 'known leaker' and suspected anti-Semite.
- Kent's resignation letter blamed Israeli officials and media for a misinformation campaign that promoted war with Iran.
- Trump stated he did not know Kent well and that his departure was a positive development.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected Kent's claims about Iran and outside influence.
- Senior US officials indicated that pressure from Israel influenced the timing of the US-Israeli attack.
- Pro-Israel commentator Ben Shapiro described Kent as 'conspiratorially minded' and promoting 'bizarrely heterodox views'.
- Kent has been a vocal supporter of Trump's 'America First' agenda and previously opposed a US war with Iran.
- Kent stated that Israelis are 'out of control' and driving the war, and that US protection of Israel should not be unconditional.
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