Fact Check: Is Joe Kent going to testify in Tyler Robinson trial?

Joe Kent resigned as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center under Donald Trump earlier in March

PUBLISHED MAR 25, 2026

A rumor circulated online claiming that Joe Kent is going to testify in Tyler Robinson's trial (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File, Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Joe Kent resigned as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center under President Donald Trump earlier in March, saying that Israel 'dragged' the US into the war with Iran. His claim led to a massive backlash against the Trump administration over the Iran war.

Following this, a rumor circulated online claiming that Joe Kent is going to testify in Tyler Robinson's trial, the person accused of shooting conservative icon Charlie Kirk. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Joe Kent is going to testify in Tyler Robinson trial

Tyler Robinson, 22, was convicted of the shooting by the FBI and confessed to killing Charlie Kirk on his first court appearance in Provo, Utah.

As his trial is still underway, there have been rumors that Kent has now claimed that he is going to testify, challenging the narrative that Robinson was the lone shooter.

Joe Kent recently had an interview with Michael Shellenberger, after which, Shellenberger posted a write-up, "Joe Kent says he is skeptical that Tyler Robinson, who confessed to killing Charlie Kirk, was the lone shooter."

Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Joseph Kent testifies before the House Committee on Homeland Security in the Cannon House Office Building on December 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. The committee convened to hear testimony from top national security officials on potential worldwide threats. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) — Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Joseph Kent testifies before the House Committee on Homeland Security in the Cannon House Office Building on December 11, 2025, in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

He added, "That accusation could undermine the prosecutors’ case against Robinson. Kent says he knew of the risk before he decided to speak out."

Interestingly, Kent was quoted as saying in Shellenberger's write-up, "The FBI was pretty forceful in saying we couldn’t investigate further."

PROVO, UTAH - FEBRUARY 3: Tyler Robinson, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in the Fourth District Court on February 3, 2026 in Provo, Utah. Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with the aggravated murder of Charlie Kirk and plan to seek the death penalty. Robinson appeared in court today for a hearing to address whether the prosecutor’s office should be removed from the case due to a conflict of interest. (Photo by Trent Nelson-Pool/Getty Images) — Tyler Robinson, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in the Fourth District Court on February 3, 2026, in Provo, Utah (Trent Nelson-Pool/Getty Images)

News reports have suggested that the FBI is investigating Joe Kent for alleged leaks of classified information. Reports cited sources in the Trump administration familiar with the matter, though an official confirmation from the FBI is still pending.

Fact Check: Partly true, not confirmed to testify

The online claim that Joe Kent will testify in Tyler Robinson's trial is not completely true, as he is not currently scheduled or confirmed to testify, and it's a hypothetical willingness he expressed, not an active commitment or subpoenaed appearance.

Joe Kent stated in a recent interview with Michael Shellenberger that he is skeptical the FBI fully investigated potential 'foreign nexus' or additional leads in Kirk's killing.

Moreover, he claimed that his team was told to stop further work despite unresolved questions, even after Robinson's arrest. Kent said, "If I ended up having to play that role, then I’ll do it. It’s not something I’m seeking."

He added that he was "definitely warned of that over and over again" as he referred to the risk his public comments could make him a witness, and that "if it gets us to the truth… so be it."

His statement was framed as a conditional willingness rather than volunteering or being called. Neither Robinson’s defense team nor prosecutors have publicly confirmed any contact, subpoena, or planned testimony from Kent.