Pentagon strips ex-Air Force secy of security clearance over Air Force One claim

Former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has lost his security clearance and is barred from holding any sensitive position, according to the Pentagon. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced the revocation on Friday, effective immediately. Parnell did not disclose the media outlet allegedly involved in Kendall's alleged breach of security protocols. Kendall described his revocation as "completely mystifying" to the Associated Press.

The revocation comes after reports last month, including by The New York Times, highlighted security concerns surrounding the newly acquired Air Force One aircraft from Qatar. The aircraft, which underwent a $400 million retrofit, has been used domestically and transported President Donald Trump to Turkey for the NATO summit. Critics noted that the new plane lacked certain advanced security features compared to older models.

Kendall, who served under President Joe Biden, claimed in the AP interview that he had always been cautious about sharing classified information and asserted that he did not know what information he was accused of revealing. The New York Times reported that the aircraft's modifications fell short of the standards of older Boeing 747s, raising concerns about potential security gaps. Kendall had pointed out that the issues might become more pronounced in light of the Iran situation.

Kendall served as Air Force Secretary during the contract delays for the new aircraft. He claimed the Qatari jet would require extensive modifications to meet the standards of older models, estimating a three to four-year timeline. Trump initially used the Qatar aircraft for the NATO summit but later switched to an older version due to perceived security risks.

The Air Force has defended the aircraft's rapid conversion, asserting that all safety and security protocols were strictly adhered to. However, they acknowledged certain modifications were deliberately omitted, including wider exit doors and multiple stairs. The dispute surrounding the aircraft has also drawn attention to the Pentagon's handling of media relations.

The Justice Department had subpoenaed The New York Times reporters to identify sources behind the reporting, a move that was later withdrawn following judicial criticism over the department's legal tactics. Parnell emphasized the Pentagon's unwavering commitment to protecting classified information, emphasizing that violations of this trust would result in the loss of clearance and related privileges.

However, this incident is not an isolated case, as the Trump administration has revoked security clearances from various national security officials in the past.