FBI Investigates Former Counter-Terrorism Chief Joe Kent for Leaks

Joe Kent, a former top U.S. counter-terrorism official under Donald Trump, has come under investigation by the FBI for allegedly leaking classified information. Sources indicated that the probe was underway even before Kent's resignation from the National Counterterrorism Center this week.

Kent announced his departure citing moral objections to the ongoing war in Iran, claiming, the country posed no imminent threat. This statement was quickly refuted by the White House, which asserted that there was compelling evidence of an impending Iranian attack on the U.S.

The investigation, which falls under the FBI's criminal division, adds to the controversies surrounding Kent, who has been criticized by former colleagues for allegedly being at the center of national security leaks.

In his resignation letter addressed to Trump, Kent challenged U.S. military actions in Iran, attributing them to pressure from Israel, a claim which the Anti-Defamation League denounced as echoing anti-Semitic tropes.

Speaking about his resignation on a podcast, Kent reiterated his stance on Iran, asserting there was no credible intelligence suggesting an imminent attack and expressing concerns about the decision-making processes leading up to the strikes. The fallout from his resignation suggests ongoing tensions within the Trump administration related to its foreign policy.

Trump commented on Kent's exit, describing it as a good thing and emphasizing his belief that Kent was weak on security.