The Pentagon has officially revoked the security clearance of Frank Kendall, the former Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, citing unauthorized disclosures of classified information about the capabilities of Air Force One. This decision, announced on Friday, prohibits Kendall from accessing classified material or holding any sensitive positions.
According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the action follows Kendall’s alleged disclosure of sensitive information to a media outlet. Reports from last month, including coverage from The New York Times, raised security concerns regarding the new Air Force One, which was gifted by Qatar. The reports indicated that the new aircraft lacks advanced anti-missile capabilities compared to its predecessor.
Kendall’s Response
In a statement to The Associated Press, Kendall expressed confusion over the revocation, stating, «I’ve always been extremely careful to not say anything classified, and as far as I know I have not.» He emphasized that no one has provided him with details regarding what he is accused of revealing.
Background on Air Force One’s Capabilities
The new Air Force One underwent a significant $400 million retrofit and upgrade. It was put into service domestically and was used by former President Trump during a trip to Turkey for the NATO summit. However, upon returning from the summit, Trump used an older model of Air Force One due to a credible threat from Iran.
U.S. officials informed CBS News that there was a detected credible plot to target the older Air Force One with a missile, prompting the Secret Service to implement a backup strategy. The older model is equipped with secure communication systems and advanced military defenses, making it a safer choice under the circumstances.
Trump’s Reaction and Future Plans
Former President Trump denied that the decision to switch planes was motivated by security concerns, although he acknowledged that he is often under threat and is considered a primary target by Iran. The White House later announced that Trump would continue using the older Air Force One while the Qatari-donated aircraft undergoes additional upgrades.
Concerns Over Press Freedom
In response to the reporting about the aircraft’s capabilities, the Justice Department issued subpoenas to reporters from The New York Times, attempting to compel them to disclose their sources. This move raised significant concerns regarding press freedoms, leading to criticism from a judge, which ultimately resulted in the withdrawal of the subpoenas.
Security Clearance Revocations in Context
This incident is not the first instance of security clearance revocations during the Trump administration, which previously revoked clearances for 37 current and former national security officials. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also rescinded security protections for General Mark Milley shortly after taking office.
While Parnell did not specify whether Kendall would face prosecution, such allegations often accompany referrals for prosecution regarding violations of the Espionage Act. Notably, the Obama administration pursued charges against Edward Snowden for disclosing classified information, and a recent case involved a Massachusetts Air National Guard member sentenced to 15 years for leaking classified military documents related to the Ukraine conflict.
The Pentagon’s commitment to safeguarding classified information remains a critical priority, as emphasized by Parnell’s statement on the non-negotiable duty to protect sensitive information.
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