FBI investigates ex-U.S. Counterterrorism Center head Joe Kent for alleged leaks

Joe Kent, who led the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned Tuesday and blamed Israel for influencing President Trump to launch war against Iran, but the Trump administration immediately disclosed he had been under FBI investigation for months on suspicion of leaking classified information. The FBI suspected Kent of leaking to Tucker Carlson and another conservative podcaster, and was examining intelligence related to Israel and Iran. Administration officials said Kent was a "known leaker" who had been cut out of presidential briefings prior to his departure. Carlson defended Kent on air Wednesday during a two-hour interview, arguing he was being targeted for his criticism of the Iran war, though sources said Kent quit because he knew the investigation was underway. The case hinges on classified information, limiting public disclosure, and Kent has not responded to requests for comment.