Senate Confirms Joe Kent as Head of National Counterterrorism Center
By STEPHEN GROVES, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Kent, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the National Counterterrorism Center, was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday evening. Despite controversy surrounding his ties to right-wing extremists and support for conspiracy theories, Kent secured the position with a 52-44 vote tally, with Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina being the only Republican nay vote.
Kent, who had been working for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, will now oversee an agency responsible for analyzing and detecting terrorist threats. He plans to focus agency resources on targeting Latin American gangs and other criminal groups associated with migration.
Having served in the military as a Green Beret and worked at the CIA, Kent’s confirmation has drawn criticism from Democrats for his past associations with far-right figures and conspiracy theories. Despite these concerns, Republicans have praised Kent’s qualifications and dedication to fighting terrorism.
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