Former Trump Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Denies FBI Leak Probe in Megyn Kelly Interview
Joe Kent, who served as President Donald Trump's counterterrorism chief, has forcefully pushed back against reports that he is under FBI investigation, insisting he "did nothing wrong" and dismissing the alleged probe as a "sideshow." Kent made these remarks during an exclusive interview with conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly, which was released on Friday. His comments come after he resigned as director of the National Counterterrorism Center on Tuesday due to his staunch opposition to the ongoing war in Iran, a conflict he claims Trump was deceived into starting.
Kent's Defiant Stance on FBI Investigation
In the interview with Megyn Kelly, Kent expressed minimal concern over the leak allegations, stating, "As for the leak allegations, I'm not concerned because I know I did nothing wrong." However, he acknowledged a degree of apprehension, noting that "we've all seen the FBI and the full weight of the government come down on individuals who speak out." He added, "So that has me a little concerned but I know the truth and the facts are on my side." Kent went further to question the legitimacy of the investigation, suggesting it might not even be real. He argued that if a genuine FBI probe existed, there would be formal procedures in place, and leaks would not occur during evidence collection.
Resignation Over Iran War and Political Fallout
Kent's resignation was prompted by his moral objection to the war in Iran, which he detailed in a viral resignation letter posted to X on Tuesday morning, garnering over 100 million views. In the letter, he wrote, "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." As a 20-year Army veteran whose Navy officer wife died while serving in Syria, Kent emphasized his refusal to support sending more troops to a war he believes serves no benefit to the American people.
The fallout from his resignation has been intense, with Trump and his allies launching attacks, branding Kent as weak and even accusing him of treason. When asked by Kelly if this angered him, Kent responded, "It does anger me. But it's all just to be expected. I knew this was going to happen. I know their playbook." He reiterated his focus on stopping the war, stating, "I feel very confident in what I'm doing right now. I think I have a mission, and I think it is to do everything I can to stop this war. To me I kind of view everything else as a sideshow."
Expanded Criticisms in Media Appearances
Since his resignation, Kent has made several media appearances to elaborate on his decision. In an interview with Tucker Carlson released on Wednesday, he claimed that Israelis "drove the decision" to go to war and disputed that Iran was on the verge of developing a nuclear bomb. He also revealed that during his tenure, he was blocked from investigating the September assassination of Charlie Kirk, hinting it may have involved foreign actors.
White House Response and Public Opinion
The White House, reportedly caught off guard by Kent's sudden departure, has downplayed its significance. Trump commented after reading the resignation letter, saying he "realized that it's a good thing that he's out" and characterizing Kent as "weak on security." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the episode "laughable" and contested Kent's claim that Iran posed no imminent threat, asserting on X that Trump had strong evidence of a planned Iranian attack.
Recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans oppose the war in Iran, which has now entered its third week, adding context to Kent's public stance. The FBI, when reached for comment by The Independent, declined to discuss the probe, leaving the investigation's status unclear amid Kent's defiant denials.
