Pentagon revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's security clearance after his on-record criticism of Air Force One's replacement jet

On August 7, 2026, the Pentagon revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's eligibility to access classified information and barred him from holding any sensitive position, alleging he disclosed classified information about Air Force One's capabilities to a media outlet. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the action, saying it followed Kendall's "unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One's capabilities to a media outlet" and that "safeguarding classified information is a non-negotiable duty. Those who violate that trust forfeit the privilege of access and any role requiring it."

The revocation followed New York Times reporting, in which Kendall — who served as Air Force Secretary under President Biden — was quoted on the record, that the Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 intended to replace Air Force One lacked the advanced antimissile defenses of its predecessor despite a $400 million retrofit. That reporting preceded President Trump's continued use of the older Air Force One during a period officials told CBS News included a credible threat against the new aircraft.

Kendall told the Associated Press 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. No one has said anything to me about what I'm asserted to have revealed and I can't imagine what it could be." He said he had been comfortable speaking on the record about the replacement plane because he was confident he had not disclosed anything classified. The Pentagon did not identify which outlet or comments prompted the action and did not say whether Kendall faces referral for prosecution.