Federal Agents Probe Ex-Terror Chief for Possible Classified Info Leak

The FBI is examining whether former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent inappropriately disclosed classified materials. Kent stepped down this week after publicly opposing military action against Iran, calling the conflict unjustified.

WASHINGTON — Federal investigators are looking into whether a former high-ranking counterterrorism official may have mishandled classified materials, according to a source with knowledge of the matter who spoke Wednesday.

The FBI probe involves Joe Kent, who stepped down Tuesday as head of the National Counterterrorism Center after publicly criticizing U.S. military operations against Iran. The source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, confirmed the inquiry was already underway before Kent’s departure.

The investigation comes amid a broader pattern of Justice Department probes targeting political opponents of President Donald Trump over the past year, including former FBI chief James Comey and New York’s top prosecutor Letitia James. Many of these cases have faltered, with prosecutors facing judicial pushback or failing to secure charges.

Semafor first broke news of the investigation, though specific details about what federal agents are examining remain unclear.

Kent announced his resignation through a post on X, where he expressed opposition to the Iran conflict and stated he “cannot in good conscience” support the military campaign.

“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” Kent stated in his social media announcement.

President Trump responded to reporters by saying he had long considered Kent “weak on security” and declared that anyone in his administration who doesn’t view Iran as dangerous is unwanted. CIA Director John Ratcliffe and other senior officials have subsequently distanced themselves from Kent’s position on Iran.

Attempts to reach Kent, who previously mounted an unsuccessful congressional campaign, were made through his former campaign representative Wednesday evening.