A row erupted after former US counter-terrorism chief Joe Kent was accused of “retracting” his previous claims about Israel’s influence on US President Donald Trump’s decision to go to war with Iran.The dispute erupted on theHis statements sparked a reaction from conservative commentator Laura Loomer, who accused him of contradicting his previous position. She replied: “I thought you said that Israel controls Trump? It seems that someone is nervous about investigating him.”
You’re full of shit, and a very bad actor. I thought you said Israel was in control? Back off now? You are a traitor to America.”This exchange comes just days after Kent resigned from his position as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, in a major disagreement with the Trump administration over the conflict with Iran.In his resignation letter posted on X, Kent said Iran did not pose an “imminent threat” to the United States and claimed that the administration “started this war because of pressure from Israel and the powerful American lobby.”
He said misinformation from “high-ranking Israeli officials” and influential voices in the United States prompted the president to act against his “America First” agenda.
The White House rejected his claims. Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt said the suggestion that Trump was influenced by foreign actors was “both insulting and laughable,” adding that the president had “strong and convincing evidence” that Iran was preparing to strike first.Trump himself dismissed Kent as a “nice guy” but “weak on security,” saying his resignation confirms that “it’s a good thing he’s out.”Despite the backlash, Kent received support from some figures on the political right. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene defended him, calling him an “American hero” and urging people not to believe criticism of his stance.Kent is a decorated war veteran and former CIA officer. He cited his military service and the death of his wife in a 2019 bombing in Syria as reasons to oppose the war. He wrote that he could not support sending Americans into “a war that does not serve the American people and does not justify the cost in American lives.”His departure represents one of the most prominent resignations related to the Iranian conflict. It also revealed deep divisions within Trump’s base regarding American intervention in the region.
