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Joe Kent

Joe Kent is an American politician, former U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joe Kent is an American politician, former U.S. Army warrant officer, and former CIA paramilitary officer. A Republican, he was the party’s nominee for Washington’s 3rd congressional district in 2022 and 2024, and served as director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center from 2025 to 2026.

Early life and military service

Joe Kent was born in Sweet Home, Oregon, in 1980. He later served as a U.S. Army warrant officer and then as a CIA paramilitary officer.

Political career

Kent entered electoral politics as a Republican candidate in Washington state. He was the party’s nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington’s 3rd congressional district in 2022 and 2024.

National Counterterrorism Center

Kent became director of the National Counterterrorism Center in 2025. He held the position until 2026, when he resigned during a public dispute over the Iran war.

Public profile

Kent has been a visible figure in Republican politics and conservative media. Coverage of his campaigns and appointments has also noted controversy over his associations with far-right activists.

Key facts

  • Kent was born in 1980 in Sweet Home, Oregon.
  • He served in the U.S. Army and later worked as a CIA paramilitary officer.
  • He ran as the Republican nominee for Washington’s 3rd congressional district in both 2022 and 2024.
  • He led the National Counterterrorism Center from 2025 to 2026.
  • He resigned in 2026 amid disagreement over U.S. policy toward Iran.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Joe Kent?
Joe Kent is an American Republican politician and former Army and CIA officer who served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center from 2025 to 2026.
What offices did Joe Kent run for?
He was the Republican nominee for the U.S. House seat in Washington’s 3rd congressional district in 2022 and 2024.
What was Joe Kent’s government role in 2025–2026?
He served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, the U.S. agency that coordinates analysis of terrorism-related intelligence.
What is Joe Kent’s background before politics?
Before politics, he served in the U.S. Army and later worked as a CIA paramilitary officer.
Why did Joe Kent resign in 2026?
He resigned after publicly opposing the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war, saying he could not support it in good conscience.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Kent
    Supports: Birth date, background as Army warrant officer and CIA paramilitary officer, Republican affiliation, and congressional nominations.
  2. The Seattle Times — https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/joe-kent-resigns-says-iran-posed-no-imminent-threat/
    Supports: Appointment as National Counterterrorism Center director, resignation, and context for his criticism of the Iran war.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg4g66r3z40o
    Supports: Resignation from the National Counterterrorism Center and summary of his public statement on Iran.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/17/us/politics/joe-kent-counterterrorism-resigns-iran-war.html
    Supports: Resignation timing and role as a senior U.S. counterterrorism official.
  5. Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/18/who-is-joe-kent-and-why-did-he-resign-as-trumps-counterterrorism-chief
    Supports: Background on his military service, CIA work, congressional runs, and resignation.