Today’s surprise resignation of Joe Kent from his role as director of the National Counterterrorism Center indicates that “the cracks are showing” within the MAGA movement, says political analyst James Ball at the i Paper. “His resignation could be a defining moment for MAGA, and even mark the beginning of its end.”
Appointed by Trump to his now-former role as the top aide to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard early last year, Kent explained in his letter of resignation that he had counted on the president to keep the US out of more “forever wars” in the Middle East, but that the war on Iran disabused him of such hopes. The fallout from his resignation has spurred reactions within MAGA ranging from applause to condemnation.
“Good riddance,” declared Representative Don Bacon, who expressed support for Trump’s actions in Iran.
But others within the movement are not so quick to denounce Kent’s actions.
Calling Kent “the bravest man I know,” conservative commentator Tucker Carlson asserted that “he’s leaving a job that gave him access to highest-level relevant intelligence. The neocons will now try to destroy him for that.”
And according to conservative influencer Nicholas J. Stelzner (who recently declared “I can’t believe I used to be a Trump supporter”), “Joe Kent won’t be the last resignation. There will be more.”
Iran is just one “deep fissure” that has begun to divide MAGA. Kent’s letter also criticizes Trump’s alignment with Israel, which is a common sticking point for some in the movement. Many were angered by his handling of the Epstein Files. MAHA members are mad about the administration’s promotion of herbicides. And young Trump voters are beginning to think MAGA is “cringe.”
Even before the war, Trump’s support was eroding steadily. Now with his approval rating wavering around 40 percent and trending downward, it remains to be seen how much of his MAGA base will stay with him.
“What comes next,” after his coalition crumbles, says Ball, “could be even darker still."
