The U.S. Senate confirmed former Army Green Beret Joe Kent on Wednesday as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), in a 52-44 vote that followed months of partisan debate and resistance from progressive lawmakers. Kent, a Trump appointee, will now lead one of America’s key national security agencies focused on preventing terrorist threats.
Kent’s appointment places him at the helm of the 1,000-person agency created after the September 11 attacks, housed within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He will report directly to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, under whom he served as a top aide during the confirmation process.
A decorated combat veteran, Kent completed 11 deployments with Army Special Forces and has dedicated his post-military career to national security. His personal history includes the tragic loss of his first wife, Shannon Kent, a Navy cryptologic technician who was killed in a 2019 suicide bombing in Syria perpetrated by ISIS.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) spoke in strong support of Kent’s nomination on the Senate floor. “He has dedicated his career to fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe,” Cotton said. “For Joe, this mission is both patriotic and sadly personal.”
Kent, an Oregon native and graduate of Norwich University, has also advised on foreign policy for President Donald Trump and twice ran for Congress in Washington state. Trump nominated him in February, describing him as a proven fighter against terrorism and crime. “Joe will help us keep America safe by eradicating all terrorism,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Despite resistance from the far left—including no votes from Washington Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, who accused Kent of “espousing conspiracy theories”—the confirmation passed with support from all Senate Republicans and several moderate Democrats.
Kent responded after the vote with a post on X: “It’s an honor to serve our nation again & to be back in the fight against terrorism… NCTC will relentlessly pursue & defeat our nation’s enemies. In honor of our fallen, we fight on.”
Kent’s confirmation underscores a shift in counterterrorism leadership toward battle-tested, mission-focused appointees with firsthand experience on the frontlines. As threats from jihadist groups and international cartels evolve, Kent is expected to emphasize decisive action and strong intelligence coordination.
