FBI Investigates Former Trump Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Over Alleged Leaks

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has opened an investigation into Joe Kent, a former senior counterterrorism official under Donald Trump, over allegations that he leaked classified information.

According to reports, the probe which is being handled by the FBI’s criminal division was initiated before Kent resigned earlier this week as director of the National Counterterrorism Center. The agency has not issued an official statement, and Kent has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.

Kent stepped down on Tuesday, citing his opposition to U.S. involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran. In his resignation letter, he argued that Tehran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States and suggested the military action was influenced by external pressure-claims the White House has strongly denied.

Following his resignation, White House official Taylor Budowich accused Kent of being linked to national security leaks and attempting to undermine the chain of command, though no specific evidence was provided.

The controversy intensified after Kent made further remarks in a media interview, where he reiterated his position that there was no imminent Iranian threat and questioned the decision-making process behind the strikes. He also alleged that key officials had limited access to the president ahead of the military action, reducing internal debate.

Despite his criticism, Kent said his post-resignation conversation with Trump was cordial and that both men parted on good terms.

The White House has rejected Kent’s claims, maintaining that the president acted on credible intelligence indicating an imminent threat. Trump also dismissed Kent’s stance, describing him as “weak on security” while defending his removal from office.

Kent, a longtime Trump ally who was confirmed as head of the National Counterterrorism Center in July 2025, now faces scrutiny as the investigation adds a new dimension to the fallout from his resignation and raises broader concerns about internal divisions and the handling of sensitive security information within the administration.