President Donald Trump named Joe Kent as director of the National Counterterrorism Center and Sean Parnell as the lead spokesman for the Pentagon on Monday.
The president announced the appointments in separate posts on Truth Social. The two men are prominent veterans, Kent being a former Green Beret and Parnell leading one of the most decorated units of the Afghanistan War.
“As a Soldier, Green Beret, and CIA Officer, Joe has hunted down terrorists and criminals his entire adult life,” Trump said of 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. Joe will help us keep America safe by eradicating all terrorism, from the jihadists around the World, to the cartels in our backyard.”
Kent previously ran to represent Washington’s 3rd Congressional District in 2022 and 2024 but was defeated both times by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA).
The NCTC works as part of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence by “analyzing, understanding, and responding to the terrorist threat.”
In addition to being chief Pentagon spokesman, Trump appointed Parnell to be assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs.
“A Great American Patriot, Sean is a fearless Combat Veteran, who led one of the most decorated units in the Afghanistan War. He earned two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart, while his platoon achieved an incredible record of eliminating over 350 enemy fighters. During my First Term, Sean was also instrumental helping pass the MISSION ACT, the BIGGEST VA Reform in History,” the president said of Parnell.
Parnell has been a longtime ally of Trump, campaigning with him in 2024 and appearing at both of his rallies in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Salena Zito congratulated Parnell on being selected, recalling the first time she had covered him nine years ago.
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“I’ve covered him as a congressional candidate & as an author. No one is more passionate, or dedicated to the service of our country & to his family. Good job Yinzer go for the stars!” she said in an X post reposted by Parnell.
Parnell led the 3rd Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division in the Afghanistan War. He recounted his experiences in the New York Times bestselling book Outlaw Platoon. He ran for Senate in 2022 as a Republican, earning the endorsement of Trump, but suspended his campaign before the primary.
