President Donald Trump on Tuesday welcomed the resignation of Joe Kent, now the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, criticizing his stance on Iran and calling his departure "a good thing."
Speaking at a press conference, Trump said Kent was "very weak on security" and took issue with Kent's reported view that Iran did not pose a significant threat.
"Iran was a threat. Every country realized what a threat Iran was," Trump said, adding that the real disagreement among nations was whether to take action.
Kent's abrupt resignation comes amid escalating tensions over U.S. policy toward Iran. According to officials familiar with the matter, Kent had opposed aspects of the administration's approach to the conflict, particularly assessments that described Iran as an immediate and pressing danger.
His position reportedly put him at odds with senior policymakers who advocated a more aggressive posture.
Kent, a former military and intelligence official, led the National Counterterrorism Center since his appointment earlier in Trump's term.
His departure underscores internal divisions within the national security apparatus over how to evaluate and respond to Iran, a longtime geopolitical adversary.
The White House has not yet announced a replacement.