Top Gabbard Deputy Joe Kent Quits Over Iran, Prays Trump Will ‘Reflect’

A top lieutenant for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigned Tuesday morning claiming a “misinformation campaign” started the war in Iran.

Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), said in an X post it is clear Iran posed no threat to the U.S. and the war in Iran was started due to pressure from Israel. The announcement comes a day ahead of Gabbard’s hearing in front of the House Intelligence Committee on worldwide threats. 

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. 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,” Kent wrote in his post.

Kent, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, was confirmed as the  NCTC director in July. His remarks stand in stark contrast to the administration’s stated reason for startingOperation Epic Fury, as they claimed Iran was rapidly rebuilding their nuclear weapons — even after the U.S. destroyed key nuclear sites in the nation during June 2025’s Operation Midnight Hammer.

Kent wrote in his resignation letter that the president’s America first platform was derailed by a “misinformation campaign” waged by high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media. Thirteen