Senate Confirms Trump’s Director Of National Counterterrorism Center

He previously served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army before joining the elite Ranger Regiment and the Special Forces. (RELATED: FEC Clears Swing District Republican Of ‘Phantom Job’ Allegations)

His wife, Shannon, was killed in Syria on Jan. 16, 2019, during operations against ISIS — just weeks after the Trump administration announced plans to withdraw U.S. troops from the region.

Kent also served as acting chief of staff to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, according to a Washington Post report.

Before his nomination, Kent twice ran as a Republican candidate for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, first in 2022 and again in 2024.

In his most recent bid, he lost to Democratic Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. (RELATED: If Democrats Were Smart, They Would Embrace Millennial Raised By Pastor In Texas And Not AOC)

Congrats, Chief Joe Kent! I’m truly proud of you, brother. I know you’ll fiercely protect the Nation from all enemies. Godspeed and best wishes as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. Veterans have your six and are praying for your success.

Hooah!@joekent16jan19 pic.twitter.com/P75mGkRjTP

— Legend (@realLegendAfg) July 30, 2025

Kent’s initial campaign in 2022 gained national attention after he unseated incumbent Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler in the primary, capitalizing on conservative anger over her vote to impeach President Donald Trump in 2021.