FBI Launches Inquiry into Trump’s Ex-Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent

The FBI has initiated an inquiry into Joe Kent, who previously held the position of counterterrorism chief under President Donald Trump. Kent's resignation, driven by his opposition to the ongoing war in Iran, has drawn attention as reports surface regarding the investigation.

Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the investigation focuses on allegations of Kent mishandling classified information. This probe reportedly began prior to his departure from the administration and has been ongoing for several months, according to four unnamed insiders.

Handled by the FBI's Criminal Division, the investigation has raised eyebrows within political circles. Taylor Budowich, a former deputy White House chief of staff, hinted at the inquiry shortly after Kent's resignation, suggesting that he was “often at the center of national security leaks.”

Attempts to reach Kent for comment have been made, but responses from both him and an FBI spokesperson have yet to materialize. Meanwhile, Kent, a veteran with two decades of service in Iraq and Afghanistan, shared his resignation letter on social media, which quickly garnered nearly 100 million views.

In his letter, Kent expressed his moral opposition to the war in Iran, stating, “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.”

On Wednesday evening, podcast host Tucker Carlson aired an interview with Kent where he reiterated his stance that “the Israelis drove the decision to take this action” and emphasized that Iran was far from developing a nuclear weapon.

The White House has downplayed Kent’s resignation, with Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt asserting that he had not been involved in key discussions regarding operations. “It’s been a while since the president has seen him here at the White House,” she stated on Wednesday.

Leavitt also countered claims regarding Iran's threat level, asserting that President Biden possessed “strong and compelling evidence” indicating that Iran intended to attack the United States first. When asked about Kent on Tuesday, Biden remarked, "I always thought he was weak on security."

Recent polling data indicates a growing sentiment among Americans against the conflict in Iran, with more citizens opposing it than supporting it.