President Donald Trump has nominated former Green Beret and CIA officer Joe Kent as the next director of the National Counterterrorism Center, praising his military experience and commitment to fighting terrorism, Breitbart reported.
Trump announced on Truth Social that he had selected Kent to lead the National Counterterrorism Center, calling him a "great American hero" with extensive experience in counterterrorism operations.
"It is my pleasure to nominate Joe Kent as the Director of the National Counter Terrorism Center," Trump wrote. "As a Soldier, Green Beret, and CIA Officer, Joe has hunted down terrorists and criminals his entire adult life."
Trump also highlighted Kent's connection to the fight against terrorism, noting the death of his wife, Shannon Kent, who was killed in a suicide bombing in Syria in 2019.
"Above all, Joe knows the terrible cost of terrorism, losing his wonderful wife, Shannon, a Great American Hero, who was killed in the fight against ISIS," Trump said. "Joe continues to honor her legacy by staying in the fight. Joe will help us keep America safe by eradicating all terrorism, from the jihadists around the World to the cartels in our backyard."
Shannon Kent, age 35, was a chief cryptologic technician in the Navy and one of four Americans killed in a bombing in Manbij, Syria. The Poughkeepsie Journal described her then as "intelligent, caring, and accomplished" following her death.
Dutchess County Legislature Chair Gregg Pulver also praised her service, calling her a "master of languages."
"I am not surprised she quickly rose through the ranks as a Navy cryptologist as she was a master of languages — speaking seven fluently," Pulver said. "Those of us who knew her personally will remember her brilliant mind, loving nature, and always hold her as our small-town hero. I pray that her family finds comfort and support during this difficult time."
Joe Kent, who ran for Congress in Washington's 3rd District in 2022 and 2024, has described himself as a noninterventionist regarding foreign wars. He has cited his military experience and the loss of his wife as shaping his views on U.S. military engagement overseas.