Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Counterterrorism Chief Resigns Over Iran

"I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. 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," [director of the National Counterterrorism Center Joe] Kent wrote.

More

Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigns over Iran war.

x.com/joekent16jan...[image or embed]

" Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner.bsky.social) Mar 17, 2026 at 9:41 AM

Comments

"I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. 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," Kent wrote.

What a rino.

#1 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-03-17 11:21 AM

I'm not saying it as fact until there are better sources, but rumor has it that lots of military personnel are getting ready to refuse orders over this "excursion", as well.

#2 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2026-03-17 11:33 AM

Gotta resign before the Sleeper Cell gets me!

#3 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-17 11:34 AM

#2 I saw a meme where National Guard who don't use drugs
are smoking pot on purpose
so they will fail the drug test and get kicked out
before they get sent to Iran.

#4 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-17 11:37 AM

Re 4

Just tell your sgt that you believe in and support DEI then pack your bags.

#5 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-03-17 11:42 AM

Moses Mikey came out said that the director of the National Counterterrorism Center was obviously wrong, and Mikey knows best.

This is what loyalty to the Pres rather than to the Country looks like... at least Mitch later admitted he was wrong... for about 5 mins on the Sen Floor.

#6 | Posted by Corky at 2026-03-17 11:46 AM

PFC: Sarge, I can't go into combat. I believe I am a woman.

Boaz: I'll be the judge of that. Let me smell your feet.

#7 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-17 11:57 AM

Joe Kent is not a Biden holdover. He is Trump's handpicked selection for the job. In 2022, with Trump's endorsement, he primaried the incumbent US Rep in Washington's 3rd district only to lose the seat in the general in 2022. He also won the nomination with Trump's endorsement in 2024 but again lost in the general.

#8 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2026-03-17 11:58 AM

By day's end this guy will be branded as a loser, low-life, stupid, bad golfer, unknown to the President and his advisors, with an ugly wife, dim children, small house, bad breath and ill-fitting suits by our projector in chief. A few more days of a Dotard in charge of this mistake of a war and others will follow him...

#9 | Posted by catdog at 2026-03-17 12:06 PM

Another view from The Hill ...

Johnson refutes Joe Kent on Iran: 'There was clearly an imminent threat'
thehill.com

... Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Tuesday refuted former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent's assertion that Iran posted no imminent threat to the U.S. before President Trump ordered strikes on the country.

"I'm on the Gang of Eight. I got all the briefings. We all understood there was clearly an imminent threat," Johnson said in a press conference, referring to the classified briefings provided to top Congressional leaders.

"I don't know where Joe Kent is getting his information, but he wasn't in those briefings, clearly," Johnson said.

Other top Democrats who were in those Gang of Eight briefings, however, have disagreed with Johnson and said they were not presented evidence that the U.S. was under threat of an imminent attack from Iran. ...


#10 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-17 12:10 PM

@#10 ... "I'm on the Gang of Eight. I got all the briefings. We all understood there was clearly an imminent threat," Johnson said in a press conference, ...

Apparently, "we all" in the Gang of Eight did not see that imminent threat.

#11 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-17 12:12 PM

President Whiny Little Bitch: "Trump rails against NATO, claims to have decimated' Iran's military
The US president has lashed out against NATO after unsuccessfully appealing to other countries to send their navies to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

"The United States has been informed by most of our NATO Allies' that they don't want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran," he wrote on his Truth Social platform, claiming that "almost every Country strongly agreed with what we are doing."

"We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us, in particular, in a time of need," he said.

The president again claimed to have "decimated Iran's Military" and leadership.

"Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer need,' or desire, the NATO Countries' assistance " WE NEVER DID!" he concluded."

#12 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 12:14 PM

- "I got all the briefings"

Yeah he did... all the Trump Loyalists told him that was Trump-Approved.

This is Mealy-Mouthed Mike setting up an excuse to say that he depended on the Admin's people, who let him down.

#13 | Posted by Corky at 2026-03-17 12:15 PM

FWIW this asshole is rabidly anti-semitic a nick fuentes friend.

odd how he got a job in the Piggy administration

#14 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 12:17 PM

.. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)..."I'm on the Gang of Eight. I got all the briefings.
#10 | Posted by LampLighter

Is this the same briefings from the "greatest experts" that, according to Trump, had no idea that Iran might strike neighboring countries if the US attacked?

#15 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2026-03-17 12:38 PM

I asked this question earlier and never really got an answer.

What is the solution to the fact that the Iranian regime openly calls for Israel to be eliminated presumably along with the people who live there?

This is not a minor policy disagreement. It is a fundamental goal of their government.

They also openly call for "Death to America."

So what exactly is the solution?

Diplomacy? Containment? Regime change?

I'm genuinely asking, because ignoring the problem isn't a solution. It's just pushing it down the road until the next war.

#16 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 12:41 PM

oh fuck off bill you were schooled on this. You're an ignorant dishonest cult member fuck. You are a fucking idiot.

Here is a way to prove it

If that "problem" is real as you frame it

What do YOU propose as a solution?

You won't answer that cause you're a cunt

#17 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 12:44 PM

Diplomacy? Containment? Regime change?
I'm genuinely asking, because ignoring the problem isn't a solution. It's just pushing it down the road until the next war.

Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 12:41 PM | Reply

Diplomacy really works just ask Obama. Of course you would rather do what Trump is doing because you're in the Trump cult. Sad to see.

#18 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2026-03-17 12:46 PM

The most common answers I read were some variations of Israel and the US should "build trust" with Iran.

But how does that work when the regime continues to call for Israel's elimination and chants "Death to America"?

Is it prudent to trust someone who says that?

Is postponing the conflict a few more years acceptable or adequate?

#19 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 12:56 PM

Is it prudent to trust someone who says that?
Is postponing the conflict a few more years acceptable or adequate?

Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 12:56 PM | Reply

I freaking knew that you would side with Trump over doing the rational thing and jaw jaw instead of war war. Typical cultist mentality.

#20 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2026-03-17 01:00 PM

What is the solution to the fact that the Iranian regime openly calls for Israel to be eliminated presumably along with the people who live there?
This is not a minor policy disagreement. It is a fundamental goal of their government.
They also openly call for "Death to America."
So what exactly is the solution?
Diplomacy? Containment? Regime change?
I'm genuinely asking, because ignoring the problem isn't a solution. It's just pushing it down the road until the next war.

#16 | Posted by BillJohnson

Of course, dips*&^ here wants more forever war after we finally got out of two decades of it without anything to show for it.

GFY Bill. There was no threat. Iran can blab all it wants about death to anyone it wants. Still doesn't justify this horrifically perpetrated war and the fact that there's no off ramp.

#21 | Posted by jpw at 2026-03-17 01:00 PM

Laura,

"Diplomacy really works just ask Obama."

Did Obama solve the problem or simply postpone it?

The 2015 nuclear deal limited Iran's enrichment and allowed international inspections for a period of years.

But the restrictions were temporary.

Iran's long-term capability to develop nuclear weapons was never eliminated.

Is Iran eventually having "the bomb" acceptable to you?

#22 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:02 PM

STFU Bill. Stupid pile of s*&^ opinions have no value here.

Especially from somebody who has zero skin in the game.

#23 | Posted by jpw at 2026-03-17 01:04 PM

Is Iran eventually having "the bomb" acceptable to you?

Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:02 PM | Reply

Yes yes yes yes yes I want them to get the bomb. We don't attack countries that can bomb us and or our allies. Yes please do get the bomb.

#24 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2026-03-17 01:05 PM

The most common answers I read were some variations of Israel and the US should "build trust" with Iran.
But how does that work when the regime continues to call for Israel's elimination and chants "Death to America"?
Is it prudent to trust someone who says that?
Is postponing the conflict a few more years acceptable or adequate?

#19 | Posted by BillJohnson

This is your brain on religion

This is your brain on maga

This is cultist stupidity

This is immoral, unethical, stupid and vile

Starting a war of aggression because people chanted "death to america" is mind bogglingly "evil"

By your stated beliefs bill you are evil. You are a fucking asshole.

In all of your mindless stupid brain farts do you ever consider that Iran can harm us for our crimes?

I truly despise you and your ilk for the harm that you and your ilk are causing to my children's future

#25 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:05 PM

Jpw,

"Iran can blab all it wants about death to anyone it wants."

Is "blabbing" all they have done the last 40 years?

Is "blabbing" all they have been doing just the last few years?

#26 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:06 PM

Is Iran eventually having "the bomb" acceptable to you?

#22 | Posted by BillJohnson

Yes you stupid fuck. Israel has a bomb, North Korea has a bomb, Pakistan has a bomb

If you don't see how Israel and America's war of aggression doesn't threaten the use of a nuclear weapon you are an ignorant fool

Since you have repeatedly shown yourself to be an ignorant fool then this belief further confirms that.

#27 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:07 PM

Truth,

Personal insults don't answer the question.

What is the solution to a regime that openly calls for Israel's elimination and chants "Death to America"?

#28 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:08 PM

Jpw,
"Iran can blab all it wants about death to anyone it wants."
Is "blabbing" all they have done the last 40 years?
Is "blabbing" all they have been doing just the last few years?

#26 | Posted by BillJohnson

is assassinating a country's leader evil?

is attacking a country TWICE in the midst of negotiations without warning or declaration evil?

is overthrowing a country's government evil?

We did all of that

#29 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:09 PM

Israel has something between 100 and 200 nuke warheads... so what if Iran gets nukes?

Are they going to use them? NO! That would be MAD; mutually assured destruction.

Israel is tired of having Iran finance terrorists against them, but conventional warfare can settle that if it must.

#30 | Posted by Corky at 2026-03-17 01:10 PM

What is the solution to a regime that openly calls for Israel's elimination and chants "Death to America"?

#28 | Posted by BillJohnson

Asked and answered you stupid fucking cunt.

You were schooled and eventually ran from the thread, and as predicted you are here presenting the same lie

You're scum because you lie and support evil.

GFY

#31 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:10 PM

Bill:
WTF do you think WE have been doing since the 1950s?
spoiler alert:
regime change
terrorism
funding subversives to get the leaders we want
spying
propaganda
torture
spouting anti-Islam while embracing genocide in Pro-Israel hoopla
invading countries and killing many thousands, far more than Iran has done

#32 | Posted by e1g1 at 2026-03-17 01:11 PM

The stupid fuck doesn't realize Iran has MAD WITHOUT a nuke as evident by the destruction they are inflicting how.

He dumbass do you realize that Iran could drop a bomb or 2 into Israel's nuclear plant and cause a nuclear explosion similar to what ever Israel could do? that that nuclear explosion would destroy Israel.

#33 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:12 PM

No one should take bill's question seriously. I did last week and had a discussion with him over 2 days. I honestly took the question seriously. I ripped his question to shreds-he could offer absolutely zero justification or support for his position, could not even explain his position and finally fell back on some religious nonsense. His position and the question changed significantly throughout the debate. FWIW I was respectful for most of the debate as I assumed good faith on his side.

Bill, like jeff is not a good person.

#34 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:15 PM

is assassinating a country's leader evil?

is attacking a country TWICE in the midst of negotiations without warning or declaration evil?

is overthrowing a country's government evil?

We did all of that

#29 | Posted by truthhurts

We assassinated their leader TWICE.

Leave it to republicans to try the exact same thing that didn't work last time.

They're still saying tax cuts for the rich will help the working class.

#35 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2026-03-17 01:15 PM

Truth,

You're just venting now.

I understand why you're frustrated.

It's a frustrating problem that has frustrated leaders for decades.

Why be angry at me for asking this question?

#36 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:15 PM

What is the solution to a regime that openly calls for Israel's elimination and chants "Death to America"?

#28 | Posted by BillJohnson

Whats the solution to russia? Whats the solution to north korea?

Containment and isolation has prevented war for decades.

Then trump needs a distraction from the epstein files and suddenly we must start a war immediately.

#37 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2026-03-17 01:17 PM


#@22 ... Is Iran eventually having "the bomb" acceptable to you? ...

Apparently, it was acceptable to Pres Trump when he cancelled the treaty during his first term.

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
en.wikipedia.org

... The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA...),[5][6] also known as the Iran nuclear deal or Iran deal, was an agreement to limit the Iranian nuclear program in return for sanctions relief and other provisions. The agreement was finalized in Vienna on 14 July 2015, between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) -- China, France, Russia, the U.K., U.S. -- plus Germany)[a] together with the European Union. ...
[emphasis mine]


#38 | Posted by lamplighter at 2026-03-17 01:17 PM

Again bill be a man and take a stand

If that "problem" is real as you frame it
What do YOU propose as a solution?
You won't answer that cause you're a cunt

#17 | Posted by truthhurts a

Be a man and explain your argument. Be a man and make a declarative statement

Be a man

#39 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:17 PM

Speak,

"They're still saying tax cuts for the rich will help the working class."

That's not the question I asked.

If you want to deflect, that's your choice. I won't be responding to it.

#40 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:18 PM

Respond to #30, BJ.

#41 | Posted by Corky at 2026-03-17 01:20 PM

Truth,

"Be a man and explain your argument. Be a man and make a declarative statement"

I'm the one asking a question.

#42 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:21 PM

Bill is the type of asshole who farts on a crowded elevator as he leaves and door closes.

#43 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:21 PM

Truth,

Why don't you "be a man" and offer an idea instead of insults?

#44 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:22 PM

Truth,
"Be a man and explain your argument. Be a man and make a declarative statement"
I'm the one asking a question.
#42 | Posted by BillJohnson

See, I told you you are a cunt

You asked a question, based on a world view

Defend that world view

Declare your position.

If you were a man you would do that

You won't cause you're a cunt.

#45 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:22 PM

Truth,
Why don't you "be a man" and offer an idea instead of insults?

#44 | Posted by BillJohnson a

I did you lying piece of shit.

I spend 2 days answering your series of questions, despite the question changing

And here you are again.

You aer a shitty human being.

#46 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:23 PM

Truth,

"Bill is the type of asshole who farts on a crowded elevator as he leaves and the door closes."

That's colorful.

Do you have something to say, or just more insults?

#47 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:26 PM

Truth,
"Bill is the type of asshole who farts on a crowded elevator as he leaves and the door closes."
That's colorful.
Do you have something to say, or just more insults?

#47 | Posted by BillJohnson a

Read the previous thread you pustule

You are unworthy of honest discussion

Because you cannot be honest

You cannot honestly defend your position

You are clearly a troll you fuck

#48 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:28 PM

Truth,

Will get back later...time for errands.

#49 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:28 PM

Bernie Sanders
@berniesanders

Joseph Kent, a top counterterrorism official under Trump, just resigned.

Kent and I don't agree on much, but he is right:

"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."

#50 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-17 01:30 PM

Truth,

"You cannot honestly defend your position"

What position?

You just accused me of not declaring my position?

Make up your mind already.

#51 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:30 PM

What is the solution to a regime that openly calls for Israel's elimination and chants "Death to America"?
#28 | POSTED BY BULLJOHNSON

So.

You're saying we started a war with Iran, because of what some Iranians said?

Thats your best argument for an unnecessary, expensive war?

You pedophile protecting cultists are morons.

#52 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-17 01:32 PM

"You cannot honestly defend your position"
What position?
You just accused me of not declaring my position?
Make up your mind already.

#51 | Posted by BillJohnson

the position underlying your question stupid

You are truly dumb yet you think you are not

#53 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:34 PM

Will get back later...time for errands.
#49 | Posted by BillJohnson

Fuck u cunt

#54 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:34 PM

As damning as this resignation is for the Trump regime this guy was a Tucker Carlson protege and I'm glad he's out of our government.

#55 | Posted by qcp at 2026-03-17 01:35 PM

Clown,

"Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation"

It's not "imminent"...so you're in the kick-it-down-the-road camp?

Pass the buck...Not my problem...

That's a legitimate approach that's been done for years.

Trump is taking a different approach, whether you agree or not.

#56 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:37 PM

Trump is taking a different approach, whether you agree or not.
#56 | Posted by BillJohnson

Do you support that different approach?

See I can be respectful when you make a declarative statement

#57 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-17 01:38 PM

Trump is taking a different approach, whether you agree or not.
#56 | POSTED BY BULLJOHNSON

He's taking the approach that he needs to distract from the fact he raped children.

You're an idiot who supports Trump raping and murdering children.

#58 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-17 01:46 PM

By the way,

Neve realized BullJohnson was a NeoCon warmonger.

Just like Jesus wanted.

#59 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-17 01:48 PM

Truth,

This is the internet. Everything is monitored.

You may notice I try not to get too angry or overly detailed about certain subjects here, especially anything involving violence.

#60 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:49 PM

The most common answers I read were some variations of Israel and the US should "build trust" with Iran.
But how does that work when the regime continues to call for Israel's elimination and chants "Death to America"?
#19 | Posted by BillJohnson

You ask them what their complaint is.

"Is it prudent to trust someone who says that?"

It's about as prudent as trusting someone who says we didn't send a Tomahawk to blow up your school, you stole a Tomahawk and blew up your own school in a false flag attack.

#61 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-17 01:51 PM

@#56 ... Trump is taking a different approach ...

Lying about the reason he started this war?

#62 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-17 01:51 PM

Clown,

"Never realized BullJohnson was a NeoCon warmonger."

Whoever said Christianity is supposed to be a passive religion?

Jesus taught "turn the other cheek" and "forgive seventy times seven."

But He never taught that wrongdoing should be ignored.

#63 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2026-03-17 01:57 PM

Israel has something between 100 and 200 nuke warheads... so what if Iran gets nukes?
Are they going to use them? NO! That would be MAD; mutually assured destruction.
Israel is tired of having Iran finance terrorists against them, but conventional warfare can settle that if it must. from #30

to which BJ nor his Lard Trump have no response

#64 | Posted by Corky at 2026-03-17 02:00 PM

Clownshack: "Never realized BullJohnson was a NeoCon warmonger."

BillJohnson: "Whoever said Christianity is supposed to be a passive religion?"

So your only concept of being "active" is to be a warmonger.

Who Would Jesus Bomb?

#65 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-17 02:05 PM

Whoever said Christianity is supposed to be a passive religion?

Here comes the daily bible study thread derailment.

#66 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-17 02:14 PM

- Who Would Jesus Bomb?

www.youtube.com

#67 | Posted by Corky at 2026-03-17 02:18 PM

@#52 ... You're saying we started a war with Iran, because of what some Iranians said?

Thats your best argument for an unnecessary, expensive war? ...


An argument that is retroactive in nature, i.e., trying to justify Pres Trump's decision after the decision was made.

The implication is along the lines of ~whatever Pres Trump decides to do is OK.~

#68 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-17 02:20 PM

69!!!

CorkytheAgent

#69 | Posted by Corky at 2026-03-17 02:30 PM

Drudge Retort Headlines

Bill Allows State to Suspend Officials who Support DEI (73 comments)

Counterterrorism Chief Resigns Over Iran (69 comments)

Kash Patel to Have FBI Agents Trained by UFC Fighters (59 comments)

Cuba's National Electric Grid Collapses (48 comments)

Trump Says He's No Longer Interested in Nobel Peace Prize (31 comments)

FCC Chair Threatens Broadcasters over Iran War Coverage (31 comments)

Trump: Nato Faces 'very Bad' Future If They Don't Help Him (29 comments)

Tucker Carlson says Trump's DOJ is Coming for Him (24 comments)

Anti-ICE Protestors Convicted of Terrorism 4 Wearing Black (23 comments)

Top US Allies Are Turning Toward China Instead. Blame Trump. (21 comments)