Timcast IRL · March 19, 2026 · 2h 0m
Trump Official Who Resigned, Joe Kent, Under FBI Investigation For LEAKING
Episode Recap
Tim Pool and his co-hosts opened the March 19, 2026 episode of Timcast IRL with breaking news about Joe Kent, the former Trump administration official who resigned over the war with Iran and is now reportedly under FBI investigation for allegedly leaking classified information. Tim noted that this revelation contradicts the initial narrative surrounding Kent's resignation, which was framed as either a principled response to U.S. foreign policy or a personal grievance against the administration. Sources told Tim that rumors circulating in Washington indicated Kent was suspected of being a leaker and was removed from intelligence briefings before his departure. The show also covered the surprising electoral defeat of progressive Democrats in Illinois, which Tim interpreted as evidence that voters are rejecting progressive policies. Guest Matthew Marsden, a former Hollywood actor who left the industry due to his political views, joined the panel alongside YouTuber Kyle to discuss the developing stories. The hosts debated the implications of the FBI investigation and whether Kent's reported leaks were politically motivated or part of a larger intelligence breach. Tim emphasized that the investigation predating his resignation suggests the administration may have known about the alleged leaks before publicly announcing his departure.
TL;DR
- →Joe Kent, former Trump administration National Counterterrorism director, is under FBI investigation for allegedly leaking classified information, with the probe reportedly predating his resignation
- →Sources suggest Kent was removed from intelligence briefings and suspected of being the source of leaked classified materials to the press
- →The initial narrative that Kent resigned over principled opposition to the Iran war is being questioned, with some suggesting it was a cover for his removal due to suspected leaks
- →Progressive Democrats in Illinois suffered a major electoral defeat, which Tim Pool called a signal that woke politics may be losing mainstream support
- →Matthew Marsden, a former Hollywood actor who says he was blacklisted for his political views, joined the show as a guest alongside YouTuber Kyle
- →Tim discussed the implications for the Trump administration's intelligence security and the potential political motivations behind both Kent's actions and the timing of his resignation
Key Moments
- 0:00Sponsor Segment - IQ BarOpening with IQ Bar advertisement for plant protein bars with 20% off code bar20
- 1:33Breaking News - Joe Kent FBI InvestigationTim breaks down the breaking story about Joe Kent being under FBI investigation for leaking classified information
- 2:05Illinois Election ResultsDiscussion of progressive Democrats being defeated in Illinois, with Tim noting the media is framing it as voters rejecting extremist policies
- 4:04Guest IntroductionsMatthew Marsden introduced as a former Hollywood actor who left the industry, Kyle introduced as a political YouTuber
- 4:50Deep Dive on FBI ProbeTim shares intelligence from Beltway sources about the alleged leaks and removal from briefings
- 6:47Guest AnalysisGuests begin discussing the implications of the investigation and Kent's motivations
Notable Quotes
“Joe Kent, the Trump official who resigned, is now, it is now being revealed he has been under FBI investigation, predating his resignation for leaking classified information.”
— Tim Pool · opening the breaking news segment
“The rumors that I heard from people that are much more loyal to Trump is that Joe Kent was leaking classified information, at least that's the allegation, and was ousted from these meetings.”
— Tim Pool · sharing intelligence from administration sources
“I think it says a lot more to what is currently going on. And there are questions about whether or not he was the one who was leaking these group texts.”
— Tim Pool · analysis of the timing and implications
“I'm Matthew Marsden, and I'm a recovering actor. Used to be in Hollywood for a number of years until they didn't like me anymore because of my views.”
— Matthew Marsden · guest introduction
“The people of Illinois are not prepared to walk off the cliff just yet. So it looks like perhaps woke is broke or at least the online version of it.”
— Tim Pool · commentary on Illinois election results