Time To Say Goodbye Does Joe Kent's Defection Signal the End of Trump?
Mar 18, 2026
Patrick Hultgren, war correspondent and former Green Beret, offers sharp military perspective. He discusses Joe Kent's viral resignation and what it might mean for MAGA politics. They debate veterans' credibility, deepfake dangers surrounding Netanyahu, and why a war with Iran seems likely to drag on. Conversation also covers strategic risks in the Strait of Hormuz and wider costs to American power.
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Veteran Joe Kent's Resignation Shakes Trump Base
- Joe Kent's resignation from the National Counterterrorism Center signals a high-profile right‑wing defection against Trump over the Iran war.
- Kent's decorated 11‑tour Special Forces background gives his letter viral credibility despite his extremist domestic views.
Joe Kent's Hardcore Special Forces Career
- Patrick Hultgren details Joe Kent's deep military credentials: enlisted Ranger, multiple deployments, Fifth Group Green Beret, then warrant officer.
- Kent did 11 combat tours and rose to a senior warrant role managing technical planning across Special Forces teams.
Broken Promises Create Space For Right Wing Opposition
- Kent's break matters because Trump violated explicit campaign promises (no war with Iran, release Epstein files), which many supporters took literally.
- A credible veteran opposing the war can sway pro‑Trump voters who view these as red lines.