Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall Loses Security Clearance Over Air Force One Disclosure

The U.S. Department of War has withdrawn former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s authorization to access classified information. This decision stems from what the department describes as an unauthorized disclosure related to the capabilities of Air Force One.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the measure on Friday via social media, confirming its immediate effect. The revocation also prohibits Kendall from holding any position requiring access to sensitive information.

Effective immediately, the Department of War has REVOKED former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall’s eligibility for access to classified information and his ability to hold any sensitive position. This action follows his unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One’s capabilities to a media outlet. Safeguarding classified information is a non-negotiable duty. Those who violate that trust forfeit the privilege of access and any role requiring it.

Context of the Disclosure

Parnell did not specify which media outlet received the alleged disclosure or the exact nature of the classified information involved.

This action follows shortly after a prominent financial newspaper published an article comparing the features of the recently acquired Boeing 747-8, now designated for presidential transport, with those of the older Air Force One jets. Kendall was among the former officials quoted in this particular report.

The newspaper's coverage indicated that the newer aircraft lacks certain functionalities present in the previous VC-25A models, such as in-flight refueling capabilities and enhanced protection against nuclear blasts. The report also highlighted distinctions in defensive systems, integrated air stairs, baggage handling provisions, and food storage facilities.

Kendall had also publicly discussed the aircraft in other recent news reports. Earlier in July, he was quoted as saying that fully equipping a 747 with the necessary defensive systems to safeguard the president would typically require a timeline of three to four years.

Kendall's Extensive Service

Kendall served as the Secretary of the Air Force under President Joe Biden, a role he held from 2021 until January 2025. Prior to this, he was the Pentagon’s undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics during the administration of former President Barack Obama.

Furthermore, Kendall possesses a long-standing association with the Air Force One modernization initiative. In 2015, while serving as the Pentagon's chief for acquisitions, he collaborated with then-Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James on the pivotal decision to select the Boeing 747-8 platform for the next generation of presidential air travel.