Trump: Kent ‘Weak on Security’ After Iran Remarks
17th March 2026
President Donald Trump on Tuesday welcomed the resignation of Joe Kent, now the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, criticizing his stance on Iran and calling his departure “a good thing.”
Speaking at a press conference, Trump said Kent was “very weak on security” and took issue with Kent’s reported view that Iran did not pose a significant threat.
“Iran was a threat. Every country realized what a threat Iran was,” Trump said, adding that the real disagreement among nations was whether to take action.
Kent’s abrupt resignation comes amid escalating tensions over U.S. policy toward Iran. According to officials familiar with the matter, Kent had opposed aspects of the administration’s approach to the conflict, particularly assessments that described Iran as an immediate and pressing danger.