Joe Kent, one of the United States’ top counterterrorism officials, announced his resignation on Tuesday, citing his opposition to the Iran war and what he said was Israel’s influence over the Trump administration’s policies. Here is his resignation letter in full.

https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/dea3cbf97dbfb39c/1/output-1.png

https://archive.ph/R2vUr

I may not like his principles, but at least unlike most rightwingers who post here, he doesn't believe that MAGA is Trump and Trump is MAGA, at least he has some.

The man had a difficult time at his position. He was not qualified for his job and lacked the education needed to manage a large department with a diverse workforce. His wife died in Syria during a mission to secure the oilfields from occupation by ISIS and Turkiye. He has been blaming Israel ever since, even though Israel had no involvement and had nothing to do with ISIS and the Syrian civil war. The Democrats warned that he was unstable because of his association with fringe right wing groups.

The Trump administration gave a mediocre candidate an opportunity and he reportedly blundered from the start. I think that if the story is pursued, we will hear about some personal matter that forced the resignation.

4 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

The man had a difficult time at his position. He was not qualified for his job and lacked the education needed to manage a large department with a diverse workforce. His wife died in Syria during a mission to secure the oilfields from occupation by ISIS and Turkiye. He has been blaming Israel ever since, even though Israel had no involvement and had nothing to do with ISIS and the Syrian civil war. The Democrats warned that he was unstable because of his association with fringe right wing groups.

The Trump administration gave a mediocre candidate an opportunity and he reportedly blundered from the start. I think that if the story is pursued, we will hear about some personal matter that forced the resignation.

He certainly does seem like a crackpot. He believed that the 2020 elections were stolen. He believed that the attack on the Capitol was provoked by Deep State provacateurs. He believed that Covid vaccines were gene therapy. When the National Security council reported that it could find no connection between the Venezuelan Government and Tren de Agua cartel, he tried to have the report stifled.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Kent

What kind of moron would ever approve his appointment to such a high position in the government?

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent wrote in his letter of resignation addressed to Trump. “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.”

“I support the values and the foreign policies that you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, 2024, which you enacted in your first term. Until June of 2025, you understood that wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of the precious lives of patriots and depleted the wealth and prosperity of our nation,” he continued.

“As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives.

“I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for. The time for bold action is now. You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards,” he concluded.

Trump’s top counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war

46 minutes ago, Alan Zweibel said:

He certainly does seem like a crackpot. He believed that the 2020 elections were stolen. He believed that the attack on the Capitol was provoked by Deep State provacateurs. He believed that Covid vaccines were gene therapy. When the National Security council reported that it could find no connection between the Venezuelan Government and Tren de Agua cartel, he tried to have the report stifled.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Kent

What kind of moron would ever approve his appointment to such a high position in the government?

His backers were most likely trying to curry favour with the groups which he associated with. The Proudboys claim to be patriots, but have been nothing but trouble. The Trump administration is characterized by appointing people it expects will support its agenda without hesitation. Unfortunately it results in some dreadful appointees. A few others that come to mind are Kristi Noem and the soon to be departing Greg Bovino. I can think of a couple SCOTUS appointees., although nothing will beat the travesty of Clarence Thomas.

1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

The man had a difficult time at his position. He was not qualified for his job and lacked the education needed to manage a large department with a diverse workforce. His wife died in Syria during a mission to secure the oilfields from occupation by ISIS and Turkiye. He has been blaming Israel ever since, even though Israel had no involvement and had nothing to do with ISIS and the Syrian civil war. The Democrats warned that he was unstable because of his association with fringe right wing groups.

The Trump administration gave a mediocre candidate an opportunity and he reportedly blundered from the start. I think that if the story is pursued, we will hear about some personal matter that forced the resignation.

What a pile of cack masquerading as fact - the rats are leaving the sinking ship. The mediocre one is the CiC who was whsipered by Netanhyau and the Israel lobby into attacking Iran for Isarel's own security perspective and the rest of the world is paying for it. When you are struggling to buy gas in Thailand remember who caused this and let your Thai familes and friends know.

He's already been hired by CNN

4 minutes ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

What a pile of cack masquerading as fact. The mediocre one is the CiC who was whsipered by Netanhyau and the Israel lobby into attacking Iran for Isarel's own security perspective and the rest of the world is paying for it. When you are struggling to buy gas in Thailand remember who caused this and let your Thai familes and friends know.

Some stations run dry already.

5 minutes ago, still kicking said:

Some stations run dry already.

Well you know who to blame the most EVIL "man" in the world because he seeks to destabilise it for his own malevolent ends let's hope the rumours are true. Pass it on.

14 minutes ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

What a pile of cack masquerading as fact - the rats are leaving the sinking ship. The mediocre one is the CiC who was whsipered by Netanhyau and the Israel lobby into attacking Iran for Isarel's own security perspective and the rest of the world is paying for it. When you are struggling to buy gas in Thailand remember who caused this and let your Thai familes and friends know.

What was factually incorrect?

You know nothing about the reasons for the intervention. The public usually doesn't find out for decades. However, you know it all don't you?

No I won't struggle to purchase gas. My driver might be inconvenienced, but not me. Thailand can supply its own basic petroleum. THe loss of 10-15% of the world's supply doesn't mean the world stops operating.

6 minutes ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

Well you know who to blame the most EVIL "man" in the world because he seeks to destabilise it for his own malevolent ends let's hope the rumours are true. Pass it on.

Ahh, so Iran's closing of the Strait of Hormuz has nothing to do with it. Maybe it is time you learnt to walk or use a bicycle. Let's join Stop Petroleum and put an end to carbon fuels. The left should be supporting this, since it is going to help reduce petroleum use.

22 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Ahh, so Iran's closing of the Strait of Hormuz has nothing to do with it. Maybe it is time you learnt to walk or use a bicycle. Let's join Stop Petroleum and put an end to carbon fuels. The left should be supporting this, since it is going to help reduce petroleum use..

It’s classic cause and effect. Poke the hornets' nest and then act surprised when you get stung. To quote Rumsfeld, these were "known knowns." Post-Gaza, the appetite from the world being an unpaid bodyguard for a Middle Eastern Sparta is gone. If they want to be a permanent garrison state with endless wars and soaring taxes, fine but don't expect the productive population to stick around. They'll head for the exits, leaving the Haredim to run a country that no longer has a functioning economy.

By all accounts a crackpot., Mr. Kent nevertheless has shown more balls in his little finger than Trump's cabinet collectively.

He's redeemed himself in the eyes of many. Hopefully, he'll be the first of a procession of senior Admin officials to sprout a pair.

40 minutes ago, Autocan said:

Hopefully, he'll be the first of a procession of senior Admin officials to sprout a pair.

I think your "admiral" Levine beat him to it😅

3 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

The man had a difficult time at his position. He was not qualified for his job and lacked the education needed to manage a large department with a diverse workforce. His wife died in Syria during a mission to secure the oilfields from occupation by ISIS and Turkiye. He has been blaming Israel ever since, even though Israel had no involvement and had nothing to do with ISIS and the Syrian civil war. The Democrats warned that he was unstable because of his association with fringe right wing groups.

The Trump administration gave a mediocre candidate an opportunity and he reportedly blundered from the start. I think that if the story is pursued, we will hear about some personal matter that forced the resignation.

Neither are most of the cabinet qualifed for their jobs.

Pete Hegseth

• Background: TV presenter and National Guard service

• Criticism: Lacks senior command or Pentagon management experience typically expected for overseeing one of the world’s largest military bureaucracies.

• His confirmation was contentious, with concerns raised even by members of his own party.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

• Background: environmental lawyer and activist

• Criticism: No medical or public health administration experience; widely criticised for controversial positions on vaccines.

Tulsi Gabbard

• Background: former congresswoman

• Criticism: Limited intelligence community experience; scrutiny over foreign policy positions.

Kristi Noem

• Background: state governor

• Criticism (from reporting): selection seen by some insiders as politically motivated rather than based on security expertise.

Linda McMahon

• Background: former wrestling executive

• Criticism: limited background in education policy or administration.

Howard Lutnick

• Background: Wall Street executive

• Criticism: strong private-sector experience, but less experience in public economic governance.

Sean Duffy

• Background: former congressman and media personality

• Criticism: limited direct experience in transport systems or infrastructure management

Being ex Green Beret doesn't seem to be the worst start for a role concerned with counter terrorism.

I predicted in another thread your sort would soon resort to character assassination

6 minutes ago, Roadsternut said:

Pete Hegseth

• Background: TV presenter and National Guard service

• Criticism: Lacks senior command or Pentagon management experience typically expected for overseeing one of the world’s largest military bureaucracies.

• His confirmation was contentious, with concerns raised even by members of his own party.

Dont forget his Bronze Stars, CIB and degree from Yale.

Tell us who the Last Sec of Defense with two Bronze Stars was

Just a matter of time before the Orange big boy turns up his toes

Melania gone awol rumoured to be in Patpong swinging around a chrome pole and with Sir Keir giving the bums rush to the baboon one surmises its all over 🚀🚀

The opposing view from the White House.

2 hours ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

It’s classic cause and effect. Poke the hornets' nest and then act surprised when you get stung.

Cause and Effect

Something seemingly so simple is, yet, beyond the ken of most.

Without this understanding, there can be no learning from experience.

3 hours ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

Well you know who to blame the most EVIL "man" in the world because he seeks to destabilise it for his own malevolent ends let's hope the rumours are true. Pass it on.

2 hours ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

It’s classic cause and effect. Poke the hornets' nest and then act surprised when you get stung.

What ends LOL?

We arent poking. We are destroying, quite well too,

31 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

The opposing view from the White House.

Such a handsome young man.

He will not get far by bucking the system.

Men of conscience die by the wayside in a corrupt environment...

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Dont forget his Bronze Stars, CIB and degree from Yale.

Tell us who the Last Sec of Defense with two Bronze Stars was

Where have you been? Trump renamed it the Department of War!

3 minutes ago, Hawaiian said:

Where have you been? Trump renamed it the Department of War!

There were no Secretaries of War between1945 and last year. Same job, different title. Where have you been?

53 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

The opposing view from the White House.

This one better

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

What ends LOL?

We arent poking. We are destroying, quite well too,

Naa he’s probably seen the intl on what the jhadists have in store for the soft American targets stateside and doesent want to be collateral damage for trumps war.hey is that 22yo appointee from cosplay Barbie (Kristy knome)still in charge of domestic security??after all dear leader only appoints the best people…….

1 hour ago, Hawaiian said:

Where have you been? Trump renamed it the Department of War!

Hegseth is number 4 on a list.

1. James Mattis 2017-19

   Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (for valor in combat)

   Combat Action Ribbon

   Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars (desert combat campaigns)

   Afghanistan Campaign Medal with bronze star (combat campaign)

   Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze star (combat campaign)

2. Lloyd Austin 2021-25

   Silver Star (U.S. Army’s third‑highest award for valor in combat)

   Combat Action Badge (denotes participation in active ground combat)

3. Mark Esper 2019-2020

   Bronze Star Medal (combat theater service — generally for meritorious service in a combat zone)

   Combat Infantryman Badge (denotes serving in active ground combat)

   Kuwait Liberation Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal – Saudi Arabia (gulf war campaign service)

4. Pete Hegseth 2025-

   Bronze Star Medal (×2) (combat zone awards)

   Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) (indicates engagement with enemy forces)

   2025 Wash100 Award

   Host of Fox Nation Patriot Awards

   Great American Exceptionalism Award

   Pennsylvania Gunsmith School honorary diploma

   Contrary to the fake news included in this thread, Hegseth never attended Yale. As an Undergraduate, he did attand Princeton, earning a BA, majoring in Politics, a bit of a noddy degree. Its a matter of public record that his SAT score was 1100, compared to the Princeton average in the low 1500. Entered in 1999, graduated 2003, unknown GPA. He enrolled at Harvard Kennedy School in 2009, but jacked it in after 1 semester. Eventually he got his Masters in 2013. In 2022, he renounced his Masters Degree, so literally, he only has a degree from Princeton.

2 minutes ago, Roadsternut said:

Pennsylvania Gunsmith School honorary diploma

Wow I didnt know about that, thats cool. I know a bunch of guys studied there.

Yale and Princeton, Ivy League, same same and I dont bother just spewing AI

PS I wonder how Petes recruitment and retention numbers compare

Kent's a non-interventionist MAGA and a known leaker to the press and has now handed a bit of gift to the Dems. How much he was privy to in relation to Iran's ballistic missiles and nuclear programme is another thing.

6 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Ahh, so Iran's closing of the Strait of Hormuz has nothing to do with it. Maybe it is time you learnt to walk or use a bicycle. Let's join Stop Petroleum and put an end to carbon fuels. The left should be supporting this, since it is going to help reduce petroleum use.

Actually bombing countries will reduce the world's

population and also achieve the same result.

Perhaps we should give T+B a green medal?

7 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

What was factually incorrect?

You know nothing about the reasons for the intervention. The public usually doesn't find out for decades. However, you know it all don't you?

No I won't struggle to purchase gas. My driver might be inconvenienced, but not me. Thailand can supply its own basic petroleum. THe loss of 10-15% of the world's supply doesn't mean the world stops operating.

You mean there's some really excellent justification for this war that the Trump administration is concealing because it doesn't want to rally Americans behind this unpopular war? It is to laugh.