The National Counterterrorism Center’s Director just sent a powerful message about Donald Trump’s Iran war
Joseph Kent, Trump’s handpicked Director for the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned. The former director does not support the United States’ choice to go to war. It seems that Trump’s MAGA coalition is divided when it comes to Iran.
Kent wrote on X, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
Kent’s reasoning sheds light on previous statements made by the Trump administration. The President and his cabinet started to frame the bombing of Iran as a defensive measure against terrorism and nuclear weapons. But at the onset, the secretary of state justified the preemptive US strikes against Tehran due to Israel.
“In your first administration, you understood better than any modern President how to decisively apply military power without getting us drawn into never-ending wars. You demonstrated this by killing Qasem Soleimani and by defeating ISIS,” Kent praised Trump for his first-term track record.
But he continued, “Early in this administration, high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media deployed a misinformation campaign that wholly undermined your America First platform and sowed pro-war sentiments to encourage a war with Iran.”
Kent thinks that Iran is Israel’s war
“This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory.” The allegation from Kent is damning, as he believes Trump made the decision under the influence of bad-faith actors.
“This is a lie and the same tactic the Israelis used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war that cost our nation the lives of thousands of our best men and women. We cannot make this mistake again.” Kent is firm on his convictions.
In his letter, he also mentioned how he was deployed a total of eleven times. He lost his wife, Shannon, in the Iraq War, which he believes Israel “manufactured.” His sentiments reflect those of former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who also believes that her generation opposes war because they had been deployed to the Middle East numerous times.
“I pray you reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for.” Kent adds that Trump holds the cards.
Trump dismisses Kent’s earnest letter
Trump commented when asked in an interview , “I always thought he was a nice guy, but I always thought he was weak on security.” The center is tasked with analyzing and monitoring potential domestic and international terrorist threats.
If he were weak on security, why choose Kent for the role? Why retain Kent instead of firing him, especially when the current administration argument for striking Iran is hinged upon ‘state-sponsored terrorism’? Only Trump would know the answer to these questions.
Other Trump allies went on to attack Kent. MAGA-aligned broadcaster Mark Levin alleged that Kent is “part of that radical isolationist Woke Right cabal.” He also theorized that the former director “was about to be fired but quickly resigned.”
Speaker Mike Johnson commented, “I don’t know where Joe Kent is getting his information.” Never mind that Kent had access to a top-secret security clearance due to the nature of his job. Essentially, Kent would know if Iran had intentions to attack the United States.
Despite the administration’s loud criticisms, several voices from the opposition defended and praised Kent for stepping down.
Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said, “Joe Kent is a GREAT AMERICAN HERO.”
Former US Navy Seal Shawn Ryan commented, “Sometimes the most impactful statement you can make is a strong resignation.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Jasmine Crockett also agreed with Kent’s decision and condemned Trump’s war on Iran. Needless to say, the Trump administration is yet to give a truthful and cohesive justification for striking Iran. Not even a coordinated attack on a veteran, who spent his youth and lost his wife while serving the country, can distract from the fact.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
