FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ODNI News Release No. 20-25
July 31, 2025
DNI Gabbard Welcomes Joe Kent as National Counterterrorism Center Director
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard welcomes Joe Kent as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) following U.S. Senate confirmation.
NCTC Director Kent will oversee Office of the Director of National Intelligence's (ODNI) counterterrorism mission and lead U.S. government efforts to analyze, integrate, and share intelligence to prevent and respond to terrorist threats at home and abroad.
“With two decades of military service, including 11 combat deployments, Joe has consistently put country before self, enduring great personal sacrifice in that service,” said DNI Gabbard. “His experience serving as the tip of the spear in some of the world’s most dangerous battlefields has given him a deep, practical understanding of the enduring and evolving threat of Islamist terrorism, as well as the threats we face from the cartels' human trafficking and drug trafficking operations. Under Joe’s leadership, the National Counterterrorism Center will reinvigorate its focus on counterterrorism and counternarcotics, integrating Federal, State and Local law enforcement and intelligence agencies to carry out President Trump’s border security mandate and ensure the safety, security and freedom of the American people. I am proud to welcome soldier, father, husband, patriot Joe Kent to our leadership team.”
“It’s a profound honor to be confirmed as NCTC Director at this pivotal moment,” said NCTC Director Kent. “I’ve spent over two decades on the front lines of the counterterrorism fight, from Fallujah to Yemen, losing my wife Shannon and countless brothers-in-arms to this war. Their sacrifices drive me to lead with relentless focus to keep Americans safe. There’s no better time to take on this mission, and I’m deeply grateful to President Trump and DNI Gabbard for entrusting me to lead NCTC in defeating the threats we face.”
NCTC Director Kent served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, where he completed 11 combat deployments, led counterterrorism and irregular warfare operations, and received numerous commendations, including six bronze stars. During his time in the Army, he served with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Army Special Forces and U.S. Army Special Operations Command. After retiring from the Army in 2018, he served as a paramilitary officer in the CIA’s Special Activities Center. Kent is an Oregon native and a graduate of Norwich University with a degree in Strategic Defense Analysis.
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