Trump’s top counterterrorism official quits in protest because he can’t support the illegal war with Iran — and he reveals the White House’s lies as he leaves.
This kind of bravery is rare in the MAGA world.
“After a lot of thinking, I’ve decided to resign from my job as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today,” said Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, in a letter to the president.
“I can’t in good conscience support the war in Iran. Iran wasn’t a threat to our country, and it’s clear that we started this war because of pressure from Israel and its strong American allies.”
Kent is a former Army Ranger and a former CIA paramilitary officer who lost his wife to a suicide bombing in Syria.
Unlike most Trump officials, he had real experience in his role. His departure is a big blow to the administration.
“I support the values and foreign policies you ran on in 2016, 2020, and 2024, which you put into action in your first term,” Kent continued.
“Until June 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were traps that took the lives of our patriots and hurt the wealth and prosperity of our nation.”
“In your first administration, you knew better than any modern president how to use military force without getting us stuck in endless wars.
You showed this by killing Qasem Soleimani and defeating ISIS,” wrote Kent.
“Early in this administration, high-ranking Israeli officials and influential media figures started a misinformation campaign that hurt your America First message and pushed for a war with Iran,” he added.
“This echo chamber made you believe Iran was a big threat and that attacking now would lead to a quick win. That was a lie — the same tactic Israel used to get us into the disastrous Iraq war that cost thousands of American lives. We can’t make that mistake again.”
“As a veteran who fought in combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my wife Shannon in a war made by Israel, I can’t support sending the next generation to fight and die in a war that benefits no one in America and justifies the loss of American lives,” he continued.
“I pray you will think about what we’re doing in Iran and who we’re doing it for.
The time for bold action is now. You can change course and lead our country in a new direction, or you can let us slide further into decline and chaos. You’re in control,” wrote Kent.
“It was an honor to serve in your administration and to serve our great nation,” he concluded.
This is what every Trump official should be doing right now.
The war with Iran is clearly illegal, benefits Israel instead of the United States, and causes the death of men, women, and children. Staying in the Trump administration now means being part of serious war crimes. History is watching, and future legal actions must be taken.
