CNN anchor Jake Tapper accused former National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent of promoting false Iranian claims about a US rescue mission in Iran. The exchange followed a successful operation to extract a downed US airman. Kent defended his post, accusing media of war promotion.
Joe Kent, who recently left his US intelligence role amid President Donald Trump's military operation in Iran, posted support for a rescue effort involving a downed US pilot. He shared a Drop Site News report echoing Iranian state-linked Tasnim News, which claimed US forces were bombing southwest Iran to kill the missing airman after losing hope of recovery. Kent wrote, “Praying for the rescue of our downed pilot & the safe return of our Special Operators going in to get him back. USAF PJs & CSAR Air crews are top notch.” The rescue succeeded, safely extracting the weapon systems specialist the day before Tapper's response on Monday morning. Tapper highlighted Kent's post, stating, “Former National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent sharing Iranian state-linked outlet nonsense claiming, falsely, that the U.S. was trying to kill the then-lost U.S. pilot. Aged rather poorly, I think it’s fair to say.” Kent fired back, calling Tapper and corporate media promoters of a “foolish war” and labeling Iranian media “independent.” He urged reading diverse sources and praying for troops. Tapper replied that CNN covers conflicts critically, not promoting them, and clarified he was pointing out Kent's false information rather than attacking him personally. Kent had earlier advocated aggressive action against Iran before departing the Trump administration.
