Steve Deace Show (Blaze Podcast Network)

Episode: PRINCIPLED? Counterterror Official RESIGNS | 3/18/26

Date: March 18, 2026
Hosts: Aaron McIntyre (filling in), Todd Erzin

Overview

This episode centers on the stunning resignation of Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, over the U.S.-Iran war. The hosts bring their trademark principled conservatism and snark to dissect Kent’s claims, broader Middle East events, the state of American foreign and domestic policy, and the culture war. Special feature: extended "Buy, Sell or Hold," and a deep-dive segment with Daniel Horowitz about Islamic radicalism on American soil.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. International Tensions: Iran, Israel, and U.S. Policy

• Israeli Airstrikes & U.S.-Israel Coordination (00:50):
  • IDF eliminated Ismail Khatib, key Iranian intelligence official, in Tehran.
  • U.S. and Israel targeted Iran’s major gas facility (Pars oil field).
  • Ongoing ballistic missile attacks in the Middle East – including casualties near Tel Aviv.
  • Noted tension: NATO reluctance to support U.S. moves against Iran. Trump’s response: NATO is a “one way street.”

“We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us in particular in a time of need.” — Donald Trump, paraphrased (05:05)

• CENTCOM Operations: Use of “deep penetrator bombs” to degrade Iran’s missile capacity.

2. Joe Kent’s Resignation & The ‘Israel Lobby’ Accusation

• Context & Content of Kent’s Letter (14:30):
  • Kent resigns as NCTC Director, lambasting Trump for being manipulated by Israel and American lobbyists. Insists “Iran posed no imminent threat” and blames “misinformation campaign” from “high ranking Israeli officials and influential American media.”
  • Explicitly invokes Israel 4-5 times as instigator for U.S. war.

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war with Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation. And it is clear we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
— Quoted resignation letter (14:45)

• Host Reactions:
  • Aaron: Criticizes Kent’s inconsistency – recent remarks acknowledged 100+ attacks from Iranian proxies, but now claims ‘no threat.’
  • Todd: Satirically mocks the online grifter/anons supporting Kent, and calls out tribalist partisanship.

“You can’t turn around and say that Iran poses no threat—this peaceful little kitty cat—while also saying in the same breath that their proxies have attacked our forces over a hundred times.”
— Aaron (18:30)

3. Culture War Updates & Media Critiques

• Health & COVID Aftermath (08:42):

  • Reports of an uptick in heart attacks among under-55s since 2021.
  • Snark about the CDC and the “100% effectiveness” claim on vaccines five years prior.

• Crime & LGBTQ Policy (09:45):

  • Arrests: Washington state’s “youth advocate” for child sex crimes, and Gettysburg Rainbow Jihad president for child porn.

• Viral Street Poll (11:05):

  • Caitlin Bennett’s Florida parade interviews: When asked who they trust more—a MAGA hat wearer vs. a man in a turban shouting “Allahu Akbar”—most chose the latter.

• Democratic Party Self-Interest (12:15):

  • Senator Markey “accidentally says quiet part aloud” about Democratic voting demographics.

4. Buy, Sell, or Hold (Uncensored Edition!)

• Format: Live, unfiltered responses to listener submissions—mix of politics, sports, internet memes, and inside jokes (33:14 through end of show).

Notable Highlights:

• Lindsey Graham watches the Steve Deace Show? Q: “Sell.” / “I don’t even think he knows Steve exists.” (34:26)
• Why so much outrage at Joe Kent?
  • Todd sarcastically: “I’m sure as soon as [Kent] sprinted out to appear on things... I'm sure have no paycheck whatsoever. The grift crowd is lining up around the block for this.” (20:32)
• Culture War Satire:
  • “We know we’re in a spiritual war because Democrats are openly running Children of the Corn and Damien for office who are demonically twisting scriptures to justify and promote their depravity.” (35:29)
• Sports & Pop Culture: Brackets, Masters’ pimento cheese, and Crocs in Happy Meals.

Memorable Quote:

“If you care more about just watching the old ball game than making sure your daughter isn’t get hammered by the tranny, your reality is going to be turned upside down.” — Todd (22:35)

5. Church of the Holy Sepulchre Closure (28:00)

• Why significant?
  • War in Israel disrupts major Christian sites; Easter services in 2026 will be limited/closed to public.

“It’s signaling to me—whatever you think about this war—we’re not just about to go back to business as usual.” — Todd (28:00)

Feature Interview: Daniel Horowitz on U.S. Islamic Radicalism

(80:47–95:14)

Main Arguments

• The most “imminent, emergent risk” in the U.S. is a growing, imported Islamist population.
• U.S. allows unfiltered radical Islamic enclaves, with more pure fundamentalism than even Middle Eastern countries—due to First Amendment protections.

“...in America...you could shout in your mosque all day, death to Jews and Christians...It’s all covered by the First Amendment. So they’re able to create an unvarnished, unfettered Islamic state that is actually more 100 proof than pretty much anything you’ll find in the Middle East.” — Daniel Horowitz (84:17)

Policy Proposals

• Immediate Moratorium: Halt all new Muslim immigration.
• Deportation for Non-Citizens: Remove any who espouse support for terror, under current law.
• Naturalization Fraud: Revoke for naturalized citizens who express support for terrorist groups.
• Mosque/NGO Investigations: Most are tied to the Muslim Brotherhood or terror finance; should NOT be protected by First Amendment if shown to be terror infrastructure.
• Role of State AGs: State attorneys general, not Congress, will be crucial—especially as DOJ won’t act; focus should be on red states like Texas, Florida.

Key Quotes & Moments:

“The religion of Islam is not a religion. It is a political state that has some religious practices...” — Daniel (82:16)

“There is no moderate Islam, but that’s not our problem. That’s their problem.” — Daniel (95:00)

“Governor is the most important office in general, but attorney general for this is really the most important.” — Daniel (91:26)

Notable Anecdote:

• U.S. has deported even elderly Nazis with no record due to past affiliations; should do the same with naturalized U.S. citizens supporting Hamas or Hezbollah.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Aaron (re: Joe Kent):
  “You can’t say Iran is a threat one month and then claim they’re harmless as you walk out the door.” (18:30)
• Todd (on conspiracy/tribal grifting):
  “The grift crowd, the ‘you’re a grifter’ crowd is lining up around the block for this.” (20:32)
• Daniel Horowitz:
  “May God have mercy on our souls. But, you know, you have to do your part. At least what we can do for God to bless our actions.” (85:39)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:50 — International: Israeli strikes, U.S.-Iran escalation
• 03:26 — Trump responds to Kent’s resignation
• 14:30 — Deep dive into Kent’s resignation, reading the letter
• 20:32 — General critique of the “grift crowd” and Kent’s supporters
• 22:35 — Todd’s “fight for reality” culture war rant
• 28:00 — Church of the Holy Sepulchre closure and implications
• 33:14 — Buy, Sell, or Hold: Uncensored edition (begins, runs through ep)
• 80:47 — Daniel Horowitz interview: Islam, law, immigration, policy

Conclusion & Next Steps

• The episode calls out the danger of unmoored, tribal culture and the double standards in foreign policy debates.
• Calls for serious policy action on Islamic radicalism in America—via state-level action, especially AGs.
• Buy, Sell or Hold segment provides political/cultural commentary with humor and audience engagement.

Original closing words:

"The wrongs we must right, the fights we must win, the future we must secure together for our nation. This is what's in front of us. This determines what's next for all of us."

This summary is designed for listeners who want a full, nuanced grasp of the episode’s controversy, arguments, and the hosts’ unique tone—even if they missed the show.