The sudden resignation of Joe Kent has triggered a wave of political speculation online, with some figures in the MAGA movement questioning whether far-right activist Laura Loomer played a role in his departure.
Kent, who had been serving as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced his decision in a public statement, saying he could no longer support the ongoing U.S. military actions in Iran. His resignation, effective immediately, comes at a time of heightened tensions following the escalation of conflict involving Iran.
“After much reflection, I have decided to resign… I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent wrote. He argued that Iran posed “no imminent threat” to the United States and claimed the conflict was influenced by external pressure, including from Israel and pro-Israel lobbying groups in the U.S.
Kent also expressed appreciation for serving under Donald Trump and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, while urging a reconsideration of the administration’s foreign policy direction.
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His remarks quickly spread across social media, where they were met with both praise and backlash. Supporters of Kent described his move as principled, while critics challenged his claims about the origins of the conflict.
At the same time, a separate conversation began to gain traction within pro-Trump circles. Some online users speculated that Laura Loomer, a controversial activist known for her outspoken support of Trump, may have influenced Kent’s exit.
The speculation appears to stem largely from Loomer’s past criticisms of figures within Trump-aligned networks and her visibility within MAGA politics, though no direct evidence has emerged linking her to Kent’s resignation.
Posts circulating online included claims that Loomer “got Joe Kent fired,” while others framed the situation as part of broader internal disagreements within Trump’s political base. Dom Lucre’s widely shared message emphasized continued loyalty to Trump, stating: “If Trump supports it, I do too… I still trust the plan.”
Kent’s departure is notable given his background. A decorated Army Ranger and former CIA paramilitary officer, he brought extensive field experience to the role. He also referenced his personal loss, his wife was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria, as part of his reasoning for opposing what he described as another prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
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In his statement, Kent drew a contrast between Trump’s earlier foreign policy positions and the current approach. He praised past actions such as the strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and operations against ISIS, while warning against a shift toward “never-ending wars.”
The White House has not issued a detailed response to Kent’s resignation, and it remains unclear who will replace him at the National Counterterrorism Center.
Laura Loomer has criticized Joe Kent and his wife, claiming they have been disrespectful to President Donald Trump and warning that his wife’s work with journalist Max Blumenthal, whom she calls a “Trump hater and radical Left Jew hater,” is a problem.
She questioned why the White House allows people she views as disloyal to succeed and called for a stricter approach, including firing anyone who leaks or undermines Trump and punishing disloyalty.
Loomer also criticized the inclusion of Democrats in Trump’s administration, saying it “was never going to end well,” and emphasized that she had previously warned Trump about these issues.
