Senate Confirms Joe Kent as National Counterterrorism Center Director
Joe Kent has been confirmed by the Senate as the new Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, following a 52-44 vote, bringing a background in politics and intelligence.
Overview
- Joe Kent was confirmed by the Senate as the next Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, securing the position with a 52-44 vote.
- His confirmation places him at the head of the National Counterterrorism Center, a key agency in the U.S. intelligence community.
- Prior to this appointment, Kent served as acting chief of staff to Tulsi Gabbard, indicating his experience within political circles.
- Kent has faced accusations of politicizing intelligence, a point of discussion during his Senate confirmation process.
- He also previously ran unsuccessfully as a Republican candidate for Washington's 3rd Congressional District on two separate occasions.
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FAQ
Joe Kent served 20 years in the U.S. Army with 11 combat deployments as a Green Beret, later worked as a paramilitary officer for the CIA, and was acting chief of staff to Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence. He also ran twice as a Republican candidate for Congress in Washington state.
Kent faced accusations of politicizing intelligence, ties to right-wing extremists, support for conspiracy theories about the January 6 Capitol riot, and associations with far-right figures. These concerns led to opposition from some lawmakers and critics, including allegations of extremism and undermining democratic institutions.
Kent plans to devote agency resources to targeting Latin American gangs and criminal groups tied to migration, aiming to identify and remove violent gang members and cartels from the U.S.
Joe Kent was confirmed by the Senate with a 52-44 vote, with Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina as the only Republican voting against his confirmation.
Kent’s two unsuccessful Republican campaigns for Congress highlighted his support for Donald Trump, criticism of GOP incumbent who voted for Trump’s impeachment, and political positions aligned with far-right views. These contributed to scrutiny and opposition during his nomination due to concerns about extremism and politicization of intelligence.
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