FBI Probes Former Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent for Alleged Leaks of Classified Information

The FBI has launched a criminal investigation into former National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent over allegations that he improperly shared classified information.

“Media reports revealed that the U”

Al-Jazeera Net

Multiple sources confirm the probe predates his resignation from the Trump administration.

Al-Jazeera Net

The investigation, first reported by Semafor and corroborated by outlets including the New York Times, Axios, and CBS, is being overseen by the FBI's Criminal Division.

It has reportedly been underway for several months before Kent's March 17, 2026 resignation.

Kent became the first senior Trump administration official to publicly step down in protest of the ongoing military intervention in Iran.

The FBI's inquiry focuses on Kent's suspected sharing of classified information with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and at least one other podcaster.

Sources indicate the leaked intelligence was related to both Iran and Israel.

The timing of the investigation's emergence alongside Kent's resignation has raised questions about whether the probe represents legitimate national security concerns or political retribution.

Joe Kent's background as a 20-year U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and former CIA paramilitary officer adds significant weight to his public statements about the Iran conflict.

According to multiple sources, Kent served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center under Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Anadolu Agency

He oversaw the analysis of terrorist threats before his resignation.

The alleged leaks targeted by the FBI reportedly include intelligence related to Iran and Israel.

Sources indicate Kent was suspected of sharing classified information with conservative media figures.

Anadolu Agency and TRT World both reported that Kent was suspected of passing information to Tucker Carlson and at least one other podcaster.

Hindustan Times noted that the investigation began before his departure.

This suggests the probe was not solely a reaction to his public criticism of U.S. policy.

Kent's extensive military and intelligence experience makes his assessment of Iran's threat level particularly noteworthy.

Kent's resignation was driven by his strong opposition to the U.S. military intervention in Iran.

“Additional details about what the investigation, which was first reported by Semafor, is examining were not immediately available”

Associated Press News

He publicly characterized the intervention as unnecessary and influenced by foreign interests.

In his resignation letter widely circulated by multiple sources, Kent declared that 'Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation'.

He accused 'pro-Israel lobbyists and think tanks of undermining diplomatic efforts by shifting Washington's red line on Tehran's nuclear program.'

Kent further alleged that 'The Israelis drove the decision to take this action'.

He claimed the war was 'manufactured by Israel,' a particularly damning accusation given his wife was killed in action in Syria in 2019.

During his interview with Tucker Carlson, Kent challenged the intelligence basis for the strikes.

He stated there was 'no intelligence that said the Iranians are going to launch this big sneak attack'.

He criticized the administration for not allowing dissenting views to be heard.

Kent claimed that 'a good deal of key decision makers were not allowed to come and express their opinion to the president'.

He argued that 'there wasn't a robust debate' in the decision-making process.

The political fallout from Kent's resignation and the FBI investigation has created significant tensions within the Trump administration.

President Trump publicly dismissed the former counterterrorism chief as 'weak on security.'

Forbes

According to multiple sources, the Justice Department has undertaken multiple investigations over the last year into political foes of President Trump.

These investigations have included former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

This pattern has raised concerns among observers about potential political motivations behind the FBI probe into Kent.

The Associated Press noted that 'prosecutors have repeatedly struggled to make charges stick amid rejections from judges or to secure indictments in the first place.'

This suggests that such investigations may face significant legal hurdles.

Kent's case has drawn attention to the broader rift within the Trump administration regarding Middle Eastern policy.

His resignation served as 'the most visible manifestation of a deepening rift' according to one analysis.

The broader implications of Kent's FBI investigation extend beyond individual accountability to potentially significant impacts on national security policy.

“Why is Joe Kent under FBI probe”

Hindustan Times

Observers note that the timing creates 'a chilling effect on internal dissent' within the intelligence community.

Hindustan Times

Officials may be deterred from questioning security decisions for fear of legal repercussions.

One analysis suggests the administration 'creates a legal barrier that discourages other officials from questioning the evidentiary basis of national security decisions.'

The case raises questions about the integrity of the information chain in policy decisions.

Kent alleged the administration may have relied on external intelligence that 'did not align with the established security consensus.'

The investigation's focus on leaks related to Iran and Israel highlights complex geopolitical dynamics.

Kent's statements suggest disagreement between U.S. and Israeli objectives on regime change in Iran.

This could impact broader Middle Eastern strategy and U.S. alliances.