'Good thing for you to resign': Vance backs Kent's exit, hints officials must support Trump on Iran

AUBURN HILL, MICHIGAN: Vice President  JD Vance said on Wednesday, March 18, that former counterterrorism official Joe Kent made the right decision to resign if he could not support the administration’s approach to the Iran conflict.

Vance’s remarks come amid internal divisions over US policy and the broader military strategy in the region.

Kent stepped down as director of the National Counterterrorism Center a day earlier, citing disagreements with the administration’s handling of the war.

The resignation has drawn attention within political circles, including criticism from some allies over how officials have publicly addressed the conflict.

JD Vance says officials must support presidential decisions

Speaking at an event in Michigan, Vance emphasized that while differing opinions are part of the decision-making process, officials are expected to carry out the president’s directives once a course of action is set. 

“I know the president very well; he welcomes differences of opinion. He likes it when people express their views about what should happen, he listens to everybody,” Vance said.

“That said, whatever your view is, when the president of the United States makes the decision, it’s your job to help make that decision as effective and successful as possible,” he added.

Vance added that stepping down was appropriate for those unable to align with the administration's policy. 

“If you are on the team and you can’t help implement the decisions of his administration … then it’s a good thing for you to resign,” he said. “That’s how I do my job, and I think that’s how everybody in the administration should do their job, too.”

The vice president also addressed his own position on the Iran conflict, noting that while he may have had reservations, his role was to support the administration’s decisions.

Reports have indicated that Vance initially expressed some concerns about the strikes on Iran but avoided detailing his personal views publicly. 

He also commented on Kent personally, saying, “I know Joe Kent a little bit. I like Joe Kent.”

According to reports, Kent met with Vance prior to his resignation to discuss his decision. The exchange highlights ongoing internal discussions within the administration as it navigates the conflict and its broader implications.

Joe Kent resigns citing disagreement with Iran war strategy

Joe Kent, who served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned, effective Tuesday, citing disagreements with the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict.

In his resignation letter, Kent said he could no longer support the military campaign “in good conscience.”

Kent, who was nominated by Donald Trump in February 2025 and confirmed by the Senate later that year, stated that he did not believe Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States.

“After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today,” he wrote.

He also raised concerns about the rationale behind the military action and questioned the intelligence and policy considerations guiding the operation.

Kent’s departure comes amid broader scrutiny of the administration’s approach to the Iran conflict, as well as differing views within government over the immediacy of the threat and the justification for military involvement.