The FBI has opened an investigation into Joseph Kent, the former director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, who resigned this week. The investigation is related to alleged leaks of classified information to the media, as the BBC writes .
Kent announced his resignation on Tuesday, saying he could not support war in Iran “in good conscience” and that the country “posed no immediate threat” to the U.S. The White House dismissed those claims, stressing that the president had “compelling evidence” of an imminent attack by Iran.
After his resignation, former White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich accused Kent of often being "at the center of national security leaks" and of working to undermine the chain of command.
In his resignation letter to President Trump, Kent stated that the war in Iran was launched “due to pressure from Israel and its lobbies in the US.” The Anti-Discrimination League (ADL) called this statement an use of anti-Semitic tropes.
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Kent reiterated that the attack on Iran was led by Israel and added that there was “no information” that Iran would launch a surprise attack on the U.S. He also said that key decision-makers had limited access to the president before the attacks.
Trump reacted by calling Kent a "good guy," but added that it was a "good thing" that he was no longer part of the government, calling him "very weak on security."
Kent, an early Trump supporter who has run unsuccessfully for Congress twice, was appointed to the director's post in July 2025.