The United States Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard stated in a press release on July 31st that the Federal Senate had approved Joe Kent to serve as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). Gabbard welcomed this decision, noting that Kent would oversee counterterrorism missions within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). He will lead efforts to analyze, integrate, and share intelligence to prevent and respond to both domestic and international terrorist threats.
Joe Kent, who had run for Congress in Washington State during the 2024 election but pivoted towards a career in federal security after his defeat, secured the Senate’s confirmation on July 30th with a vote of 52 to 44. His extensive military and intelligence experience garnered support from former President Trump during his nomination process.
Having served in the U.S. Army for 20 years with 11 deployments to battlefields, Kent led counterterrorism and unconventional warfare operations, earning numerous accolades including six Bronze Star Medals. He served in units such as the 75th Ranger Regiment, the Army Green Berets, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command before retiring in 2018 to join the CIA Special Activities Center as a paramilitary officer.
Gabbard highlighted in the press release that Kent has always prioritized the nation’s interests, making significant personal sacrifices during his service, including facing some of the most dangerous battlefields globally. She emphasized his profound firsthand understanding of the persistent and evolving threats posed by Islamic terrorism and criminal activities such as human and drug trafficking by groups like the Cartel.
Under Kent’s leadership, the National Counterterrorism Center is poised to bolster its focus on counterterrorism and drug enforcement by integrating federal, state, and local law enforcement and intelligence agencies. They will also execute President Trump’s border security mission to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of the American people.
Expressing her pride, Gabbard warmly welcomed Joe Kent, describing him as a soldier, father, husband, and patriot who now joins their esteemed leadership team.
Kent expressed deep gratitude for being confirmed as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center at this pivotal moment, acknowledging the trust placed in him by President Trump and Director Gabbard. Reflecting on his twenty-year frontline experience in the war on terror, he paid tribute to his late wife Shannon and countless comrades lost in combat, stating that their sacrifices compel him to steadfastly lead in safeguarding the safety of Americans.
Advocating for countering the strategic threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to uphold U.S. national security, Kent stresses the importance of policies aimed at countering CCP advancements in artificial intelligence and key technology sectors. He underscores the need to protect American innovation, national interests, and maintain the country’s leading position in the global technological race.
(Adapted from reporting by Homeland Security Today)