The Pentagon announced Friday that it had revoked the security clearance eligibility of Frank Kendall, who previously served as Air Force Secretary under President Joe Biden. Officials alleged that Kendall disclosed sensitive information regarding capabilities of a newly acquired Air Force One aircraft to members of the media.
Kendall responded to the action by expressing bewilderment at the accusation. He stated that he had consistently exercised caution regarding classified material and asserted he had not revealed any sensitive information. Kendall added that no one from the Pentagon had communicated to him specifically what information he was alleged to have disclosed.
The revocation follows news coverage last month, including reporting by The New York Times, regarding security characteristics of a Qatari-gifted Boeing 747 that underwent a $400 million retrofit before entering service as Air Force One. Reports indicated the refurbished aircraft lacked certain advanced antimissile defense systems present in its predecessor. Kendall had been quoted in media accounts commenting on the timeline for modifications to the aircraft, noting that standard Air Force One upgrades could not be completed within the available timeframe.
The Pentagon’s spokesman stated that safeguarding classified information represents a fundamental responsibility and that violations result in forfeiture of security access and ineligibility for sensitive positions. He did not identify which news organization was allegedly involved in the disclosure. The Pentagon declined to specify whether Kendall would be referred for prosecution under the Espionage Act, though such clearance revocations typically accompany such referrals. The Trump administration has previously revoked clearances for other officials, including 37 national security figures last year and recently pulling protections from retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley.
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