Joe Kent says he spoke directly with Trump before resignation, calls him 'very respectful and kind'

Joe Kent emphasized that they parted on good terms and that he would be open to speaking with Donald Trump again in the future
PUBLISHED MAR 19, 2026
Joe Kent discussed his resignation and relationship with President Donald Trump during an interview with Tucker Carlson, offering insight into his departure from the administration (@TuckerCarlson/X, AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Joe Kent discussed his resignation and relationship with President Donald Trump during an interview with Tucker Carlson, offering insight into his departure from the administration (@TuckerCarlson/X, AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON, DC: Joe Kent, the former director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, sat down for a detailed interview with former Fox News host and podcaster Tucker Carlson. He discussed a wide range of topics, from the Iran war and political issues to intelligence matters.

What drew the most attention was Kent’s comment about President Donald Trump when talking about his resignation. Kent said nothing critical about Trump and even praised him, highlighting the president’s positive behavior toward him.

The interview lasted over an hour and 40 minutes and touched on many subjects, including the ongoing war, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and government files related to the assassination of former President John F Kennedy.

FILE - Joe Kent, Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, speaks during a congressional debate at KATU studios Oct. 7, 2024, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)
Joe Kent, former Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, speaks during a congressional debate at KATU studios Oct. 7, 2024, in Portland, Ore (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

Joe Kent talks about Trump's reaction to his resignation 

During the interview, Kent shared details about his resignation and his interactions with Trump. “I spoke with him before I departed the administration,” Kent told Tucker Carlson

“It went great. I mean, not the best conversation ever. You know, I told him why I was leaving. He heard me out.” Kent also said he would welcome the chance to speak with Trump again, noting that he believes he and the president “departed personally on good terms.”

Kent recently met with Vice President JD Vance on Monday, March 1 to explain his decision to step down, presenting his resignation letter and outlining concerns about the administration’s handling of the war with Iran, CNN reported.



New developments show that Kent is now under FBI investigation in connection with alleged leaks of classified information, multiple sources told CBS News. The probe reportedly began before Kent resigned, and the FBI’s Criminal Division has been handling the matter for some time.

Joe Kent speaks out after feeling his warnings were ignored 

Kent explained that he decided to speak out this week because he felt his voice was being “squashed” before reaching the White House. “It became really clear to me, you know, over the weekend, this past weekend, that our message just wasn’t getting through,” Kent said.

He added, “I know what happens if I stay, if I go along with this, I’m going to be, you know, knee deep in it, trying to just chip away and make a difference. "

He said his ability to make his voice heard and share data that went against the administration’s direction would be blocked before it even reached the White House. He felt that no matter how much effort he put in, his warnings and insights would be ignored. 

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