The Pentagon has revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s eligibility to access classified information and barred him from holding sensitive government positions, accusing the former Biden administration official of disclosing classified details about Air Force One to the press.
“This action follows his unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One’s capabilities to a media outlet,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Friday.
The action follows recent reporting about the capabilities of a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for use as Air Force One. The aircraft, which underwent a roughly $400 million retrofit before entering limited presidential service, reportedly lacks some of the defensive systems installed on the existing presidential aircraft.
Kendall told The Associated Press that he was “completely mystified” by the Pentagon’s decision.
“I’ve always been extremely careful to not say anything classified, and as far as I know I have not,” he said. “No one has said anything to me about what I’m asserted to have revealed and I can’t imagine what it could be.”
President Donald Trump has used the Qatari-donated aircraft for domestic travel and flew aboard it to Turkey last month for a NATO summit. He returned to the United States aboard an older Air Force One after the U.S. launched strikes against Iran and Tehran targeted three Gulf Arab states.
U.S. officials previously said the change followed intelligence about a credible Iranian-linked plot to fire a missile at the presidential aircraft. The Secret Service recommended using the older plane, which is equipped with more extensive defensive systems and secure communications capabilities.
The Qatari aircraft had been placed into service on an accelerated timetable and had not yet received every feature normally installed on a presidential plane.
Trump denied that security concerns prompted the switch, although he acknowledged that he faces persistent threats and remains a leading Iranian target. The White House later said Trump would continue using the older Air Force One while additional upgrades were made to the Qatari aircraft, with the work expected to take about a month this fall.
The New York Times quoted Kendall as saying the abbreviated conversion process would not have allowed “all the normal Air Force One modifications.” He also said he was surprised the aircraft had been used for an international trip.
Kendall again denied revealing classified information Friday.
“I’ve been comfortable being on the record with reporters and on national television about the Qatari 747 because I’m confident that I haven’t said anything classified.”
Parnell did not identify the media outlet to which Kendall allegedly disclosed classified information.
“Safeguarding classified information is a non-negotiable duty,” he wrote. “Those who violate that trust forfeit the privilege of access and any role requiring it.”
The Air Force has maintained that the expedited conversion of the Qatari jet proceeded “without accepting any risk regarding security, safety, or secure communications.” Officials have acknowledged, however, that several engineering modifications normally incorporated into U.S.-built Air Force One aircraft, including widened exit doors and multiple built-in stairways, were omitted.
The Trump administration has revoked security clearances from a number of current and former national security officials. Last year, the administration revoked clearances for 37 officials, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth separately removed the security detail and clearance of retired Gen. Mark Milley.
Parnell did not say whether Kendall’s case had been referred to the Justice Department for possible prosecution under the Espionage Act. The Pentagon declined further comment.
Concerns have been raised recently about former military leaders working with other countries, particularly China, in a way that could undermine American interests.
