Trump Nominates Joe Kent to Lead National Counterterrorism Center

The nomination of the former Green Beret and failed congressional candidate has drawn scrutiny over his ties to far-right figures and controversial statements.

Joe Kent, a retired Green Beret and former CIA officer, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to direct the National Counterterrorism Center, pending Senate confirmation.
Kent's nomination has sparked criticism due to his past associations with white nationalists, including interviews and endorsements from figures like Nick Fuentes, a known Holocaust denier.
Kent has been a vocal critic of U.S. aid to Ukraine, often sharing social media posts that align with pro-Russian narratives and conspiracy theories about international conflicts.
Trump praised Kent's military service and personal loss, citing the death of his wife, Shannon Kent, who was killed in action during the fight against ISIS in Syria in 2019.
Democratic leaders and critics argue that Kent's controversial ties and far-right views could undermine his ability to lead a key counterterrorism agency tasked with addressing both domestic and international threats.