Joe Kent secures Senate confirmation to work alongside Tulsi Gabbard



As the Senate continues to chip away at the backlog of nominees, President Donald Trump's allies are one by one getting confirmed.

Most recently, the Senate confirmed former congressional candidate Joe Kent to serve as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, an office overseen by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

'Joe has hunted down terrorists and criminals his entire adult life.'

The Senate confirmed Kent in a 52-44 vote Wednesday night, with Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina voting against the nominee and four Democrats missing the vote altogether.

"It’s an honor to serve our nation again & to be back in the fight against terrorism," Kent said in a post on X. "Thank you President Trump & DNI Gabbard for your confidence in my leadership. NCTC will relentlessly pursue & defeat our nation’s enemies. In honor of our fallen, we fight on."

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Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Prior to his nomination in February, Kent twice ran for Congress in the state of Washington but failed to defeat his Democratic opponents. Kent also enlisted in the Army and eventually rose through the ranks into the Ranger Regiment and the Special Forces, serving for 20 years and 11 combat deployments.

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Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

"As a Soldier, Green Beret, and CIA Officer, Joe has hunted down terrorists and criminals his entire adult life," Trump said in his Truth Social post nominating Kent. "Above all, Joe knows the terrible cost of terrorism, losing his wonderful wife, Shannon, a Great American Hero, who was killed in the fight against ISIS."

"Joe continues to honor her legacy by staying in the fight," Trump added. "Joe will help us keep America safe by eradicating all terrorism, from the jihadists around the World, to the cartels in our backyard."

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EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Ronny Jackson Endorses GOP Candidate In Virginia Swing District

'I know Derrick will fight for conservative values in Congress'

Rep. Patrick McHenry plans to retire at the end of his term, and a former Green Beret has launched a bid to take his place



Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina has announced plans to retire from Congress after finishing his current term. By the time his term ends in early 2025, McHenry will have been serving in the House for two decades.

"I will be retiring from Congress at the end of my current term. This is not a decision I come to lightly, but I believe there is a season for everything and—for me—this season has come to an end," McHenry said in a statement. "I look forward to what the next season brings for my family and me."

The lawmaker expressed optimism about the future of the House of Representatives.

"There has been a great deal of handwringing and ink spilled about the future of this institution because some—like me—have decided to leave. Those concerns are exaggerated," he asserted. "I've seen a lot of change over twenty years. I truly feel this institution is on the verge of the next great turn. Whether it's 1974, 1994, or 2010, we’ve seen the House evolve over time. Evolutions are often lumpy and disjointed, but at each stage, new leaders emerge. There are many smart and capable members who remain, and others are on their way. I'm confident the House is in good hands."

Earlier this year, after Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted from his post as House speaker, McHenry acted as speaker pro tempore. Weeks after the removal of McCarthy, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) was selected as the new House speaker.

Former Green Beret Pat Harrigan has announced a bid to fill the congressional seat. "Harrigan brings seven-figure resources and has hired Congressman McHenry's former campaign Manager, Eduardo Andrade, to manage his campaign," a press release notes.

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