Podcast Summary: Redacted News – Joe Kent on "US Forces Will Be Decimated in Iran, this is ‘CATASTROPHIC ESCALATION’"

Date: March 30, 2026
Hosts: Natalie & Clayton Morris
Guest: Joe Kent (Former Director, National Counterterrorism Center)

Overview of the Episode

This episode features a frank and urgent discussion about the potential catastrophic consequences of a U.S. ground invasion of Iran. Hosts Clayton and Natalie Morris are joined by Joe Kent, who resigned from his high-level counterterrorism role in protest of current administration policies. The conversation centers on who is driving U.S. policy toward Iran, the influence of Israeli interests, the risk to American troops, and the broader implications for democracy, civil liberties, and truth in governance. The episode is characterized by deep skepticism of official narratives and a call to public action.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Catastrophic Escalation in Iran

• Joe Kent’s Core Warning: Sending U.S. troops to Iran would be a “catastrophic escalation” (05:39). He urges citizens to contact their representatives to oppose boots on the ground.
• Risks Outlined: Echose that special operations, even if initially successful, can set off cycles of commitment, increased losses, and deeper entanglement in war (08:18, 11:44).
• Israeli Involvement: Israeli media hint Israel will not send ground troops if the U.S. invades, implying Americans will be “fighting and dying for Israel” (06:25).

2. Who Drives U.S. Iran Policy?

• Israeli Influence: Kent accuses pro-Israel lobbyists and direct Israeli influence of pushing the U.S. toward escalation, framing Mark Levin’s calls for boots on the ground as derived from Israeli talking points (11:44, 13:55).
• Marginalization of Dissent: Kent details lack of genuine debate or dissent in the administration as war approached, often excluding voices like his from discussions (15:22).
• President Trump's Agency: Kent believes Trump is under significant outside pressure, particularly from pro-Israel actors, but maintains Trump still has the agency to “flip the script” if he chooses (15:22–18:12).

3. Influence Operations and Counterintelligence

• Israeli Access: Multiple references to the excessive access and influence the Israeli government and intelligence services have within the U.S. national security apparatus (19:19, 22:55, 24:04).
• Counterintelligence Concerns: Kent and the hosts liken this influence to a form of blackmail or state-sponsored terrorism, claiming it’s a widely known but rarely spoken truth within the intelligence community (22:55).

4. Origins and Handling of Iran Assassination Allegations

• Claims of Iranian Threats Against Trump: Discussion about intelligence (and lack thereof) regarding a supposed Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, raising questions about the provenance and politicization of such claims (25:46).
• FBI Reluctance: Kent highlights FBI resistance to fully exploring possible links between suspects, suggesting a lack of transparency (27:52).

5. Broader Trends: Domestic Surveillance & Civil Liberties

• The Technate & Surveillance State: Both guest and hosts express concern about a potential “control grid” in America—centralized, digitally enforced surveillance and social credit, possibly enabled under Trump administration via Peter Thiel, Palantir, and other actors (41:39, 48:59).
• Internal Pushback: Kent reports significant pushback within the administration against implementing domestic surveillance programs (43:14).
• “Domestic Terrorism” Rhetoric: The hosts criticize expanding definitions of “domestic terrorism” as a threat to free speech and civil liberties (44:53–46:39).

6. Public Skepticism and PsyOp Concerns

• Skepticism Towards Joe Kent: The episode openly addresses rumors that Kent may be controlled opposition or part of a government “psyop” to pacify antiwar conservatives (36:15–38:09).
• Transparency and Critique: Kent welcomes skepticism, encourages scrutiny of his record, and asserts that his funding (including a single donation from Peter Thiel) is fully documented (41:39, 42:45).
• Political Future: He states no current ambition to run for office again, preferring to influence policy from outside government (38:14).

7. Calls to Action

• Contact Representatives: Kent repeatedly encourages listeners to contact elected officials to oppose military escalation (05:39, 55:55).
• Public Vigilance: Emphasizes the importance of skepticism and vigilance regarding government power and foreign influence (42:45, 45:02).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joe Kent on Escalation:
  “This would be a catastrophic escalation that will only result in more bloodshed and further escalate this disastrous war... Respectfully, tell them that we do not support putting any boots on the ground in Iran.” (05:39)

• Natalie on Israel’s Motives:
  “Given how often Israeli Fed intelligence has been ill-motivated and wrong, we can no longer offer that excuse.” (17:20)

• Joe Kent on Decision-Making Process:
  “There just wasn’t a lot of discussion in this last iteration... Next thing you know, we literally are moving forces towards Iran and then the attack is launched.” (15:22)

• Joe Kent on Israeli Influence:
  “The Israelis are really in the driver’s seat. They’re not our co-equal, they’re not our ally, they are driving this entire war, unfortunately, and we’re the ones that are paying for it...” (19:19)

• On Internal Debate and Exclusion:
  “A lot of us... were boxed out and we weren’t allowed to really express our... And now the administration will come and say.” (14:36)

• On Controlled Opposition Rumors:
  “People should stay skeptical. I appreciate that, actually. I mean, we're in an era of, of deception, unfortunately. So I get it.” (36:37)

• On Surveillance State Fears:
  “With how fast the technology moves nowadays, we should be on guard... and we should fight that with everything that we can.” (41:39)

• Natalie on Civil Liberties:
  “We are supposed to be completely free to criticize the government... we are free to feel however the f** we like.”* (45:59)

• Joe Kent’s Resignation:
  “It was a tough decision to make. But once I made the decision, I actually felt really good and I felt like a lot of clarity, more clarity than I had felt in several months.” (52:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Catastrophic Escalation & Call to Action: 04:54 – 06:25
• Israeli Media on U.S. Troops: 06:25 – 06:47
• Joe Kent’s Details on Pressure & Escalation: 08:18 – 09:28
• Discussion of Mark Levin & Special Operations Rationale: 09:50 – 11:27
• Israeli Lobby Influence, Exclusion of Dissent: 11:44 – 15:22
• Trump’s Agency & Israeli Influence: 15:22 – 19:19
• Counterintelligence Angle: 22:55 – 24:04
• Iranian Assassination Plot Allegations: 25:46 – 27:52
• Pushback in the Intelligence Community: 28:59 – 31:02
• Controlled Opposition Scepticism: 36:15 – 39:13
• Whitney Webb & Peter Thiel Concerns: 41:39 – 43:48
• Digital Surveillance State Warning: 48:03 – 51:04
• Joe Kent’s Resignation & Personal Reflections: 52:06 – 52:46
• Final War Stance & Audience Feedback: 61:10 – 61:56

Tone & Style

• Language: Direct, skeptical, urgent, conversational; peppered with candid criticism of both political parties, intelligence “groupthink,” and mainstream narratives.
• Atmosphere: The hosts and guest encourage rigorous questioning, open skepticism, and critical engagement, all while maintaining a relatable, plainspoken manner.

Conclusion

The episode frames the imminent risk of war with Iran as both a strategic blunder and a result of excessive foreign (Israeli) influence on U.S. policy. Joe Kent emerges as a strong antiwar voice, skeptical of administration motives, deeply wary of surveillance and attacks on civil liberties, and calling for direct citizen action. The show closes with a clear antiwar message and encouragement for further scrutiny of policymakers.

Action Items for Listeners

• Call your representatives to oppose U.S. military escalation in Iran.
• Remain vigilant about government actions, rhetoric, and the erosion of civil liberties.
• Investigate and scrutinize the financial backers and motivations of any figure—especially those newly prominent in antiwar circles.
• Stay skeptical and demand transparency—from both officials and the media.