Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Pentagon revokes Frank Kendall's security clearance over Air Force One disclosures
The Pentagon is the part of the United States government that runs the military.
It decided that Frank Kendall, who used to be the boss of the Air Force, can no longer see secret information.
The Pentagon says Mr. Kendall shared secret details about Air Force One, the special plane the president flies in, with the news media.
Mr. Kendall says that is not true, and that he was always very careful not to say anything secret.
The story is about a Boeing 747 airplane that the country of Qatar gave to the United States.
The plane was changed and upgraded at a cost of about $400 million, and President Trump flew on it to Turkey for a NATO meeting.
He flew home on an older Air Force One plane after officials heard about a possible threat.
The newer plane will get more upgrades in the fall.
The Pentagon has also taken away security clearances from other former officials, so this is part of a larger pattern.
The Pentagon revoked former US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's eligibility to access classified information and barred him from holding any sensitive position.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the action followed Kendall's 'unauthorized disclosure' of classified information about Air Force One's capabilities to a media outlet.
Kendall denied the allegation, saying he was 'completely mystified' and had always been careful not to say anything classified.
The decision follows reports raising security concerns about a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar and used by President Trump on his trip to Turkey for the NATO summit; Trump returned on an older Air Force One amid reported threat intelligence.
Parnell did not say whether Kendall was referred for possible prosecution, and the White House said the Qatari-donated plane will undergo additional upgrades in the fall.
- Who
- Frank Kendall, former US Air Force Secretary, and the Pentagon, which revoked his status; Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the decision.
- What
- The Pentagon revoked Kendall's eligibility to access classified information and barred him from sensitive positions over an alleged 'unauthorized disclosure' of classified Air Force One information to a media outlet.
- When
- The decision was announced on Friday, following reports last month about the Qatari-donated aircraft and President Trump's NATO summit trip.
- Where
- United States; the aircraft at issue is a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar.
- Why
- The Pentagon alleges Kendall disclosed classified information about the capabilities of the presidential aircraft; Kendall denies the allegation.
Kendall's Defense
Pentagon Officials
Classification of Air Force One disclosures
Kendall's Defense
Kendall says he was always extremely careful not to say anything classified, is 'completely mystified' by the decision, no one told him what he allegedly revealed, and he was comfortable being on the record because he is confident he said nothing classified.
Pentagon Officials
The Pentagon says Kendall made an 'unauthorized disclosure' of classified information regarding Air Force One's capabilities, calling safeguarding classified information a 'non-negotiable duty.'
Readiness of the Qatari-donated Air Force One
Kendall's Defense
Reports and Kendall's public comments questioned whether the rushed conversion allowed enough time for all normal Air Force One modifications; Kendall was surprised the aircraft was used outside the United States.
Pentagon Officials
The US Air Force maintains the rapid conversion was carried out without accepting risk to security, safety or secure communications, while acknowledging several highly complex engineering modifications were deliberately excluded.
- Subject
- Frank Kendall, former US Air Force Secretary (served under President Joe Biden)
- Action taken
- Eligibility to access classified information revoked; barred from any sensitive position
- Allegation
- Unauthorized disclosure of classified information about Air Force One's capabilities to a media outlet
- Kendall's response
- Denial; 'completely mystified'; no one told him what he allegedly revealed
- Aircraft involved
- Boeing 747 donated by Qatar
- Retrofit cost
- Reported $400 million
- Related security incident
- Trump switched to an older Air Force One for return from NATO summit after credible threat reports involving Iran
- Broader context
- 37 current and former officials had clearances revoked last year; Hegseth removed clearance for retired Gen. Mark Milley
