FBI responds to Joe Kent's claims after his public resignation from NCTC

Former Director of the National Counter Terrorism Center Joe Kent has launched himself into the public eye ever since he quit over his objections to the Iran war in a statement critical of the Trump administration. He's appeared on several podcasts to make his case.

In a recent discussion with Michael Shellenberger, Kent made eyebrow-raising statements about the murder of Charlie Kirk and caused a mini-firestorm online. Accused killer Tyler Robinson has been in custody since his arrest just a few days after the Sept. 10 assassination and he has appeared in court for pre-trial hearings. The case has been handled by the Utah County Prosecutors Office and the FBI.

Assistant Director of Public Affairs at the FBI Ben Williamson weighed in on the very public resignation and Kent's subsequent media tour. Williamson pointed out that the NCTC had no jurisdiction over the case. However, Williamson said, the FBI made an "early exception" and allowed NCTC to assess intelligence reports. After Kent's claims, the FBI responded, saying that he wasn't "blocked" from the investigation because he was never involved in the investigation.

"A number of people have asked for response to this so here it is: Joe Kent is being a dishonest hack. He worked for the NCTC which is not a law enforcement or investigative agency - he had ZERO role or 1811 investigative authority in this. This is like me saying I was 'blocked' from playing receiver for the Commanders - it’s an issue of having no business or frankly ability doing something, not an issue of access. Furthermore, FBI actually made an early exception and allowed NCTC to assess intelligence reports, and International Terrorism returned zero connections. None. Joe Kent kept making things up anyway," he said.

"The shameless media tour he’s on reeks of being desperate for attention and the baseless conspiracy theories he’s spreading about the admin, particularly Charlie’s murder, could very well make it more difficult to get justice for our friend. If he had any shame, Joe Kent should be ashamed of himself." Kent was in his position since his confirmation in July 2025.