Ex-counterterrorism chief advocates for Trump to 'walk away from' Iran war, yank troops out of Middle East

The Story At A Glance

• • Former NCTC Director Joe Kent is urging President Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from the Middle East and end the war with Iran.


• • Kent resigned in March 2026, citing his refusal to support a conflict driven by Israel and its domestic supporters.


• • He warns that maintaining military assets near Iran creates unnecessary targets and risks turning American personnel into hostages.

Context
Kent was appointed by Trump in 2025 but resigned due to the administration's shift toward military escalation against Iran. He argues that the conflict is being pushed by pro-Israel interests rather than American national security needs.

Christian Perspective
The push for war appears driven by political interests rather than a divine mandate or the protection of the American people. Christians should prioritize the lives of our soldiers and the preservation of our own nation over foreign entanglements. We must remain wary of any agenda that sacrifices American blood to serve the interests of a foreign state.

Implications
Continued involvement in Middle Eastern wars drains the resources and lives that should be used to strengthen the American family and domestic stability. Prioritizing foreign conflicts undermines the ability of the nation to protect its own borders and cultural integrity. True leadership requires putting the safety of the American people above the geopolitical demands of Israel.

Broader Trends
This situation highlights the ongoing struggle between America First principles and the globalist influence that seeks to keep the U.S. bogged down in perpetual foreign wars. It reflects a growing realization that much of our foreign policy is dictated by powerful interest groups rather than the needs of the American citizenry. The tension between national sovereignty and internationalist interventionism is reaching a breaking point.

Takeaway
The United States must adopt a policy of total withdrawal from Middle Eastern conflicts to protect our people and our resources. We must reject the influence of foreign lobbies that demand American lives for their own security. True strength lies in securing our own borders and upholding our own traditional values at home.