A former top counterterrorism official is under criminal investigation for allegedly leaking classified information to conservative media figures, raising serious questions about whether his sudden resignation was driven by patriotic opposition to war or by fear of prosecution for compromising national security.
Story Highlights
- Joe Kent, former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned March 17, 2026, claiming opposition to the Iran war
- FBI criminal investigation into Kent for alleged classified leaks began months before his resignation
- Sources indicate Kent allegedly leaked Israel-Iran intelligence to Tucker Carlson and a conservative podcaster
- Administration officials labeled Kent a “known leaker” and excluded him from presidential briefings prior to his departure
Investigation Predates Public Resignation
The FBI launched a criminal investigation into Joe Kent months before his March 17 resignation from the National Counterterrorism Center directorship. Multiple sources familiar with the probe confirm that investigators monitored a “paper trail” of communications, tracking potential unauthorized disclosures of classified information.
Kent was barred from presidential intelligence briefings due to concerns about his reliability, with administration officials privately designating him a “known leaker.”
This timeline contradicts the narrative that Kent’s departure stemmed solely from principled opposition to U.S. military engagement with Iran, suggesting instead that awareness of the ongoing investigation may have precipitated his exit.
Alleged Leaks to Conservative Media Figures
Federal investigators believe Kent disclosed classified intelligence regarding Israel and Iran to prominent conservative media personalities, specifically Tucker Carlson and an unnamed conservative podcaster. The leaked information allegedly pertained to sensitive matters surrounding the Iran conflict that President Trump initiated.
Kent appeared in a two-hour interview with Carlson on March 18, one day after his resignation, during which Carlson defended him against what he characterized as retaliation for speaking truth about the war.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the NCTC, has declined to comment on the investigation. Kent himself has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
🚨#BREAKING: At this time Former U.S. Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent is now under FBI investigation over allegations of leaking classified information. pic.twitter.com/ShS75bRkIZ
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) March 19, 2026
Previous Conflicts with Federal Investigators
Kent’s friction with the FBI extends beyond the current leak investigation. In 2025, he clashed with federal investigators while seeking records related to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kent speculated about “foreign agent” involvement in Kirk’s death, theories that administration officials dismissed as bizarre and unfounded.
This earlier confrontation revealed tensions between Kent and the intelligence community, foreshadowing the current controversy. Officials familiar with both matters suggest Kent’s willingness to pursue unconventional theories and his apparent distrust of official narratives made him a person of interest well before the leak investigation formally commenced.
Questions About Timing and Motivations
Kent’s resignation statement accused Israel of deceiving President Trump into the Iran conflict, claiming no imminent threat to the United States existed. However, sources close to the investigation assert that Kent was aware of the ongoing probe when he resigned, challenging his portrayal as a principled whistleblower silenced for opposing war.
The decision not to fire Kent prior to his resignation remains unexplained, suggesting possible internal tolerance until his public accusations became politically untenable. This case raises concerns about classified information security within counterterrorism leadership and potential exploitation of access for political purposes.
For Americans frustrated with government overreach and intelligence community politicization, this scandal exemplifies how unelected officials may undermine presidential decision-making by selectively leaking information to shape public opinion rather than following proper channels for dissent.
Former counterterrorism official Joe Kent under investigation over alleged leaks: Sources https://t.co/sIM2jLmUPr
— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) March 19, 2026
The investigation remains active as federal authorities work to determine the full scope of potentially compromised intelligence. The outcome could set significant precedents for how the intelligence community handles internal dissent and unauthorized disclosures, particularly when officials align with media figures to challenge administration foreign policy.
Kent faces potential criminal charges if prosecutors determine he violated laws protecting classified information, regardless of whether his motivations stemmed from policy disagreement or self-preservation.
Sources:
Former counterterrorism official Joe Kent under investigation over alleged leaks: Sources – ABC News
Former counterterrorism official Joe Kent under investigation over alleged leaks: Sources – 6ABC
Joe Kent under FBI investigation for alleged leaks – Axios
