Trump Relieved as Counterterrorism Director Resigns

0:00On March 17, President Donald Trump expressed relief over the resignation of National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, who stepped down on March 17, 2026, due to strong objections to recent United States strikes on Iran alongside Israel. Trump argued that Kent's view minimized the danger from Iran, insisting the late February attacks prevented a potential nuclear disaster that every nation recognized as imminent. Kent, a veteran army special forces soldier with 11 combat deployments, stated in his announcement that Iran presented no immediate threat to, America, and blamed outside pressures for starting the conflict, urging a return to non-interventionist policies. Trump dismissed Kent as weak on security, while allies like former Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Buttovich claim he was already slated for dismissal, over leaks and efforts to undermine leadership. This marks the first major voluntary exit from a senior role in the Trump administration, since he returned to office last year, highlighting internal.

1:03Tensions over the ongoing Iran situation