WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has tapped former Republican Washington Congressional candidate Joe Kent to potentially lead the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC).
Kent defeated incumbent Jaime Herrera Beutler in the 2022 primary election for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District (southwest WA). However, he lost the election to Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Kent ran again in 2024 for the same seat and lost again to Gluesenkamp Perez.
Trump endorsed Kent in the 2022 election, and Kent received the endorsement from the Washington State Republican Party (WSRP) in 2024.
On TruthSocial.com, a social media platform created by Trump in 2022, he wrote:
“It is my pleasure to nominate Joe Kent as the Director of the National Counter Terrorism Center. As a Soldier, Green Beret, and CIA Officer, Joe has hunted down terrorists and criminals his entire adult life. 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. 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. Congratulations Joe!”
On X.com, Kent wrote: “Thank you President Trump! It’s an honor to serve our nation again [sic], time to keep our nation safe and strong!”
Thank you President Trump!
— Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) February 4, 2025
It’s an honor to serve our nation again, time to keep our nation safe & strong! pic.twitter.com/yxyknrTTMN
NCTC was created in 2004 as a direct result of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The primary mission of the organization is to reform the nation’s intelligence related to terrorism.
The Senate will need to approve Kent’s nomination.
Don Holstead is currently servicing as NCTC’s Acting Director.
It’s unclear when the Senate vote will take place.
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