The FBI is investigating whether former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent leaked classified information before he resigned this week citing objections to the Iran war, according to multiple reports.
The probe, first reported by Semafor, entails whether Kent disclosed sensitive national security material to unauthorized people, with officials seeking to determine the scope of the alleged leak and its potential impact. The outlet cited four people with direct knowledge of the investigation, with one of them saying it has been going on for months.
A person familiar with the matter confirmed to MS NOW on condition of anonymity that Kent is the subject of a criminal investigation into whether he leaked classified information, and that it predates his resignation.
Kent abruptly resigned Tuesday, publicly criticizing the war and saying he “cannot in good conscience” support it. He reiterated he believes Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States during an interview on “The Tucker Carlson Show” on Wednesday.
“That just simply did not exist,” Kent told Carlson.
Kent also told Carlson he spoke to President Donald Trump prior to his departure, adding Trump “heard him out” and he left on good terms. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office following Kent’s resignation that he always thought Kent was “weak on security,” but he “seemed like a pretty nice guy.” Ken Dilanian contributed to this report.
Ebony Davis is a breaking news reporter for MS NOW based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked at CNN as a campaign reporter covering elections and politics. Recommended
