The FBI is investigating former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent over allegations that he leaked classified information, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The probe predates Kent's departure from government service.

Kent resigned Tuesday from his role as the nation's top counterterrorism official, citing opposition to the U.S. war against Iran. In a public statement, Kent said he 'cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war,' arguing that Iran posed no imminent threat and that the conflict marked a break from the administration's prior approach to avoiding prolonged wars in the Middle East.

What the Right Is Saying

Conservatives have rallied behind Kent, emphasizing his distinguished service record as a former Army Green Beret and CIA paramilitary officer. Republican lawmakers have questioned the timing of the investigation, suggesting it may be politically motivated given Kent's public opposition to the Iran war.

Kent supporters note he is a Gold Star spouse, having lost his wife in a 2019 terrorist attack in Syria. They argue this sacrifice demonstrates his unwavering commitment to national security and question how someone who lost a family member to terrorism could be accused of endangering classified information.

Some Republican commentators have suggested the investigation may be retaliatory, pointing to the administration's internal conflicts over Iran policy. They note that Kent was cut out of intelligence briefings months before his resignation and argue this suggests the administration may have been looking for a reason to remove him.

What the Left Is Saying

Democratic lawmakers and national security experts have expressed serious concerns about the allegations against Kent. Congressional Democrats have called for full transparency regarding the investigation, with some noting that any leak of classified information represents a significant breach of national security protocols.

Progressives have also pointed to the timing of Kent's resignation, arguing that his opposition to the Iran war while heading the nation's top counterterrorism position raises questions about his judgment and ability to serve in such a sensitive role. Some have noted that leaking classified information, if proven, would represent a fundamental violation of the trust placed in senior intelligence officials.

Former intelligence officials who served in Democratic administrations have stated that the allegations, if true, would represent a serious dereliction of duty. The Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that protecting classified information is paramount for any counterterrorism official.

What the Numbers Show

Joe Kent was appointed to lead the National Counterterrorism Center in early 2025. He served in that role until his resignation on March 18, 2026.

According to a senior administration official who spoke to Fox News Digital, Kent was described as a 'known leaker' and had been cut out of intelligence briefings several months before his resignation. The exact nature of the classified information allegedly leaked has not been publicly disclosed.

Kent's resignation marks one of several high-profile departures from the administration over opposition to the Iran war. The conflict represents a significant shift from the administration's prior approach to Middle East policy, which had emphasized avoiding prolonged military engagements.

The Bottom Line

The FBI investigation into former NCTC Director Joe Kent remains ongoing, and the specific allegations have not been publicly detailed. It is unclear whether the investigation is related to concerns about his intelligence handling or to a separate matter.

The case raises questions about classified information security within the intelligence community and about the internal tensions within the administration over Iran policy. Kent's resignation and subsequent investigation highlight the broader debate over the U.S. approach to the Middle East.

The investigation is developing. Fox News Digital has reached out to Kent for comment, and the FBI declined to provide further information.