The Department of War revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s eligibility for classified information Friday after accusing him of improperly disclosing sensitive details about the capabilities of a presidential aircraft to the media.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Department of War on Friday revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s eligibility to access classified information and barred him from holding sensitive positions after accusing the Biden-era official of making an unauthorized disclosure involving Air Force One.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the action followed Kendall’s alleged disclosure of classified information concerning the capabilities of a presidential aircraft to a media outlet. Kendall had previously been identified in reporting concerning sensitive details about the Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet used by President Donald Trump.
“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,” Parnell said.
The Pentagon’s announcement was also shared on X following the decision.
The dispute traces back to Trump’s recent overseas travel and questions surrounding the presidential aircraft he used. Trump announced that the Air Force One jet he flew to Ankara, Turkey, for last month’s NATO summit would later visit a U.S. base in the United Kingdom. When Trump departed Turkey, however, he traveled aboard a different Air Force One aircraft, a change that prompted speculation about whether security concerns played a role.
Federal agents later served subpoenas on four New York Times reporters after the newspaper published sensitive information about alleged security deficiencies aboard the aircraft. Individuals familiar with the national security matters reportedly told the Times that the newer aircraft did not contain some of the advanced defensive systems installed on other presidential planes.
The Pentagon now attributes the unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding the aircraft’s capabilities to Kendall, who served as secretary of the Air Force during the Biden administration. Friday’s action removes his eligibility for future access to classified material and his ability to occupy any position requiring sensitive access.
Kendall served as the 26th secretary of the Air Force and oversaw the organization, training and equipping of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, according to his official Air Force biography. In that position, he directed a Department of the Air Force annual budget exceeding $173 billion, provided Air and Space forces to combatant commanders conducting military operations worldwide and was responsible for the welfare of nearly 700,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen and Guardians and their families.
“Mr. Kendall has more than 50 years of experience in engineering, management, defense acquisition and national security affairs across private industry, government and the military. He was a consultant to defense industry firms, non-profit research organizations and the Department of Defense in the areas of strategic planning, engineering management and technology assessment. Additionally, he is an attorney and was active in the field of human rights, working primarily on a pro bono basis.
“Earlier in his career, Mr. Kendall was Vice President of Engineering for Raytheon Company, providing management and direction to the engineering functions throughout the company and for internal research and development. He also served as a Managing Partner at Renaissance Strategic Advisors, a Virginia-based aerospace and defense sector consulting firm.
“Within government, Mr. Kendall held numerous posts including Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics as well as Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Tactical Warfare Programs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He is a former member of the Army Science Board and the Defense Intelligence Agency Science and Technology Advisory Board, and was a consultant to the Defense Science Board.
“Mr. Kendall is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served 11 years as an active duty Army officer, including assignments in Germany, teaching engineering at West Point, and in research and development positions,” the Air Force biography states.
The Pentagon’s decision represents a significant professional sanction against a former cabinet-level defense official and follows an investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information surrounding the presidential aircraft and its defensive capabilities.
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