Leadership & Organization — 2026-03-22

FBI Probe of Former NCTC Director Kent Widens; Patel Seeks Declassification to Counter Retaliation Narrative

The FBI investigation into former NCTC Director Joe Kent for alleged classified leaks has expanded beyond the initial scope, with investigators examining whether Kent shared sensitive material about Israel and Iran with Tucker Carlson and another conservative podcaster. FBI Director Patel privately indicated he wants to declassify as much of the allegedly leaked material as possible to preempt accusations that the probe is retaliation for Kent's March 17 resignation and public break with the White House over the Iran war. A senior administration official previously told Fox News that Kent had been cut out of intelligence briefings months before his departure. DNI Gabbard was reportedly unaware of the investigation before Kent resigned.

Analysis
The probe's expansion from initial leak allegations to examining specific media contacts marks a significant escalation from prior reporting. Patel's preemptive declassification gambit is unprecedented — it signals the investigation has reached a threshold where CI equities and political optics are entangled, with implications for future IC whistleblower cases.

3 sources

FBI Braces for Blowback in Joe Kent Investigation - NOTUS
Inside Joe Kent's abrupt fall as GOP backlash grows over antisemitism accusations, FBI probe - Fox News
Departed counterterrorism official who resigned over Iran war denies leaking classified documents - Daily Bulletin / AP