Karoline Leavitt Says Joe Kent “Resigned in Disgrace and Accused the President of Basically Being Controlled by Foreign Countries and Foreign Manipulation — His Accusations Have Zero Credibility”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sharply dismissed criticism from former administration official Joe Kent during a March 25 press briefing, rejecting his claims about the administration’s handling of the Iran war and asserting that his accusations carry no credibility.

The exchange came as questions continue to surface about the administration’s objectives in the ongoing conflict with Iran, including criticism from former allies who have publicly broken with the president over the war. Kent, who previously served as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned earlier this month in protest of the conflict and accused the administration of acting under foreign influence.

Responding directly to a question about Kent’s criticism, Leavitt framed his departure and subsequent statements as disqualifying. “I think the president and I have both strongly responded to the criticism by Mr. Kent who unfortunately resigned in disgrace and accused the president of basically being controlled by foreign countries and foreign manipulation which is a ridiculous and laughable assertion. So his accusations have zero credibility as far as this White House is concerned,” she said.

Leavitt: Joe Kent, who unfortunately resigned in disgrace and accused the president of basically being controlled by foreign countries and foreign manipulation, which is a ridiculous and laughable assertion. His accusations have zero credibility. pic.twitter.com/iJTVbJqHqP

— Acyn (@Acyn) March 25, 2026

Kent’s resignation on March 17 marked the highest-level departure from the administration tied to opposition to the Iran war. In his resignation letter, he argued that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States and claimed the conflict had been initiated due to pressure from Israel and its allies. He wrote, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

He further alleged that a coordinated effort by foreign officials and media figures helped drive the United States into the conflict, comparing the situation to the lead-up to the Iraq War. Kent also cited his military experience and personal loss, stating that he could not support sending another generation of Americans into what he described as an unnecessary war.

Leavitt’s remarks made clear that the administration is rejecting those claims outright, particularly the assertion that U.S. policy is being shaped by foreign governments. Her comments also reinforced the administration’s broader position that internal dissent from former officials does not reflect credible analysis of the war effort.

The dispute comes as the administration continues its military campaign under Operation Epic Fury, which officials say is nearing its objectives. While criticism from figures like Kent has added to the debate surrounding the war, the White House has maintained that its strategy remains unchanged and that such accusations will not alter its course.