A rift has emerged inside the Trump administration after National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent launched an independent investigation into whether Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk, had help from a foreign government or another group. The New York Times reported Tuesday that Kent’s actions have caused concern at the FBI and among top administration officials.
Kent reportedly accessed FBI case materials provided by a lower-level official without prior approval from FBI Director Kash Patel. Sources say Patel was unaware of Kent’s actions and was “troubled” by the breach of protocol. FBI officials believe Kent may have jeopardized the prosecution by potentially interfering with the investigation.
The situation prompted a pair of tense meetings at the White House involving Kent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and several high-ranking officials including Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General appointees, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The first meeting reportedly yielded little progress due to mounting friction between Gabbard’s office and the FBI. A second meeting was held to ease tensions.
Kent, one of Gabbard’s closest advisers, has come under scrutiny for his handling of the high-profile case. Some administration officials fear his efforts could unintentionally strengthen the defense of Robinson, who is already facing charges in the politically explosive case.
Despite the controversy, Patel and Gabbard issued a joint statement defending the aggressive pursuit of leads: “The FBI and intelligence community under the direction of President Trump will leave no stone unturned in the investigation of the assassination of our friend, Charlie Kirk.”
The internal clash highlights growing friction between intelligence officials and law enforcement within the Trump administration. As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about how much oversight was bypassed and whether internal coordination broke down in one of the most sensitive national security cases in recent memory.
