The Pentagon has revoked former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's eligibility to access classified information and barred him from holding sensitive positions, citing allegations that he disclosed sensitive information about Air Force One's capabilities to the media.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that safeguarding classified information is a non-negotiable duty, adding, "Those who violate that trust forfeit the privilege of access and any role requiring it." Parnell did not specify which media outlet Kendall is accused of sharing information with.
The action follows recent media reports concerning security aspects of the new Air Force One, including its perceived lack of advanced antimissile capabilities compared to its predecessor. The new aircraft underwent a $400 million retrofit and upgrade and has been in service domestically. President Donald Trump also used the aircraft for a flight to Turkey last month, though he opted for an older model Air Force One jet for his departure from the NATO summit, amid U.S. airstrikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on three Gulf Arab states.
According to a report in The New York Times, the president's decision to switch aircraft was reportedly at the urging of the Secret Service, as the newer plane allegedly lacked some of the advanced security features of the older model. Trump denied to reporters that the switch was due to security concerns, although he also stated he is under constant threat and is Iran's primary target.
In comments made to The Times, Kendall, who served under President Joe Biden, reportedly expressed surprise that the plane was used outside the U.S., given that the upgrade timeline would not have allowed for "all the normal Air Force One modifications."
Previously, the Justice Department issued subpoenas to Times reporters seeking to compel them to reveal their sources regarding this matter. The department later withdrew the subpoenas after facing criticism for its legal approach.
Pendleton did not indicate whether Kendall would be referred for prosecution. Such allegations are typically accompanied by referrals for prosecution under the Espionage Act. Notable past cases include the Obama administration's charges against Edward Snowden for disclosing secret U.S. surveillance documents and the 2024 sentencing of an Air National Guard member for leaking classified military documents related to the war in Ukraine.