Senator Patty Murray recently stood on the floor of the United States Senate and attempted to disqualify Joe Kent — a decorated Green Beret with over 20 years of service in Army Special Forces — from serving as Director of Counterterrorism. Her reasoning? She accused him, without evidence, of harboring “white supremacist views,” and branded him a “conspiracy theorist.”
She shared a clip of herself rambling about Jeffrey Epstein on the floor of the Senate and wrote on X:
“The Senate should NOT confirm a man with white supremacist views to be Director of Counterterrorism. Joe Kent is also a conspiracy theorist. Colleagues, let’s please do exactly what people in Washington did each time they were asked to trust Joe Kent… VOTE NO.”
This wasn’t a political disagreement. It was a character assassination. And it came from someone who has spent more than three decades in the comfortable halls of power, yet appears to have forgotten what real sacrifice looks like.
Let’s talk about who Joe Kent actually is.
“Patty Murray thinks a preschool teacher knows more about counter-terrorism than a Green Beret with 11 combat deployments.”
"While @joekent16jan19 was in warzones, She’s been in committee meetings.” pic.twitter.com/uEjQ7ccUyA
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) July 31, 2025
He enlisted in the Army at 18, earned his place in the elite 5th Special Forces Group, and went on to serve 11 combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other high-risk zones. He led high-level counterterrorism operations in some of the most dangerous regions on the planet. He is a man who has bled for this country, who has led in battle, and who has paid the ultimate price in service.
Joe Kent is also a Gold Star husband. His wife, Shannon Kent — a Navy cryptologist — was killed by ISIS in Syria. While politicians in Washington debate foreign policy in committee hearings, Joe Kent has lived its consequences.
For Senator Murray to imply that this man is unfit to lead counterterrorism efforts — not on the basis of policy, but based on character smears — is not just irresponsible. It is beneath the dignity of the office she holds.
Let’s consider the source.
Senator Murray began her political career branding herself a “mom in tennis shoes.” She holds a degree in Physical Education from Washington State University and previously worked as a preschool teacher. This is the person questioning the qualifications of a battle-tested national security professional.
She currently serves as:
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Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee
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Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
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A member of the subcommittees on Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Transportation and Housing
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A member of the Senate Budget Committee, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee
That list covers just about every major policy area facing the nation today — and under her watch, nearly all of them were struggling until Donald Trump became president again.
The southern border was in chaos. Our military was facing a recruitment crisis. Veterans were waiting months for care. Healthcare costs are skyrocketing. Public schools are underperforming. Homelessness is surging. And inflation is crushing working families.
These aren’t abstract failures — they are the result of leadership decisions made by people like Patty Murray, who wield enormous influence over federal priorities. And yet, she sees no contradiction in calling a man like Joe Kent “unqualified.”
This isn’t about qualifications. It’s about control.
Joe Kent represents something the political establishment fears: a clear-eyed, independent voice that knows how to take on America’s enemies and isn’t afraid to speak the truth. He’s not part of the club. He’s not interested in protecting bureaucratic turf. He’s interested in protecting the country.
And if someone like Joe Kent is appointed to a meaningful national security role, he might start pulling back the curtain on just how broken the current system really is.
That’s the real reason for “PE” Patty’s smear.
It’s not that Joe Kent is unqualified. It’s that he’s not compliant.
If this country wants serious leadership on national security, we need fewer career politicians smearing veterans, and more men and women with firsthand experience in the fight.
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