Pentagon revokes security clearance of former Air Force Secretary

The Pentagon has revoked the security clearance of former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, barring him from accessing classified information and holding sensitive positions. The decision, announced Friday, stems from allegations that Kendall disclosed sensitive details about the capabilities of Air Force One to a media outlet.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, "This action follows his unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One's capabilities to a media outlet." This move comes after recent reports, including from The New York Times, highlighted security concerns surrounding the new Air Force One, a jet gifted by Qatar. These reports noted a lack of advanced anti-missile capabilities compared to its predecessor.

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This action follows his unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One's capabilities to a media outlet.

Kendall told The Associated Press that he was "completely mystified" by the revocation. "I've always been extremely careful to not say anything classified, and as far as I know I have not," he said, adding that he had not been informed of the specific information he is alleged to have revealed and could not imagine what it might be.

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I've always been extremely careful to not say anything classified, and as far as I know I have not.

The aircraft in question underwent a $400 million retrofit. It was used domestically, and President Trump flew on it to Turkey for a NATO summit. However, he later used an older Air Force One jet for his departure from the summit, following U.S. airstrikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on Gulf Arab states. U.S. officials had previously informed CBS News of a credible threat to the president from Iran and allied proxy groups, leading the Secret Service to switch to the older, more secure backup plane.

Officials briefed on the situation indicated that the new Qatari-donated plane was rushed into service and lacks certain desired capabilities. President Trump had denied that the plane swap was due to security concerns, though he acknowledged being a constant target. The White House later stated the older plane would continue to be used while the new one received "additional upgrades and enhancements." Kendall, who served under President Joe Biden, was quoted in The Times article expressing surprise that the plane was used internationally, given that the upgrade time would not have sufficed for "all the normal Air Force One modifications."

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No one has said anything to me about what I'm asserted to have revealed and I can't imagine what it could be.