Overview
- Kent brings 11 Green Beret deployments and CIA experience after two unsuccessful congressional campaigns in Washington state.
- Democrats pointed to his refusal to reject conspiracy theories about the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and false claims of a stolen 2020 election.
- Opponents cited his paid consulting for a Proud Boys member and collaboration with Patriot Prayer’s founder as evidence of extremist affiliations.
- Sen. Tom Cotton lauded Kent’s counterterrorism record and military service as proof of his readiness to lead U.S. intelligence efforts.
- As acting chief of staff to DNI Tulsi Gabbard, he directed analysts to revise assessments on Venezuelan gang ties to support the use of the Alien Enemies Act.