Photo: Green Beret PAC
Joe Kent, a conspiracy theorist with extremist ties, has been confirmed as the new director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).
On Wednesday (July 30), the Senate voted 52-44 to confirm Kent to lead the NCTC, a move that sparked backlash from Democrats who cited his far-right extremist ties and history of promoting conspiracy theories, per HuffPost.
All but one Republican, Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), voted in favor of Kent's confirmation, while every Democrat opposed.
Kent, who is a former CIA paramilitary officer and two-time congressional candidate from Washington, has associated with known white nationalist figures, including Nick Fuentes and Greyson Arnold, a Nazi sympathizer who has publicly praised Adolf Hitler. Kent previously downplayed the extremist threat posed by the Proud Boys and likened Black Lives Matter to “child trafficking rings." He also called for terrorism charges against the movement.
Kent repeatedly pushed false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. He also alleged that federal agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, were complicit in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and an alleged assassination attempt on Trump.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the Senate Intelligence Committee’s top Democrat, said Kent attempted to manipulate intelligence reports while serving as chief of staff to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Warner said Kent posed “a threat to our ability to keep the nation safe.”
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) called Kent’s actions “completely disqualifying,” saying that confirming someone who distorts facts for political gain undermines U.S. democracy and national security.
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