Pentagon Revokes Security Clearance of Former Air Force Chief Over Leaks
The Pentagon has taken the significant step of revoking the security clearance of former US Air Force chief Frank Kendall. This action comes in response to accusations that Kendall leaked classified information about Donald Trump's presidential aircraft, which was gifted by Qatar. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that Kendall's unauthorized disclosure of sensitive details regarding Air Force One's capabilities to a media outlet warranted this decision. Parnell emphasized that safeguarding classified information is a critical duty, and those who breach that trust lose their access privileges.
Reports from various news outlets indicated that the modified Boeing 747-8, which was donated to Trump by the Qatari government last year, does not possess the same level of security and defense capabilities as the older Air Force One. In a related development, it was reported that Trump exchanged the Qatari-gifted plane for the original Air Force One to travel from a NATO summit in Türkiye to the UK, amid concerns about a potential Iranian plot against him.
Additionally, the Department of Justice had previously issued subpoenas to reporters from The New York Times after they published a story detailing security concerns surrounding the new aircraft. However, the DOJ later withdrew the subpoenas following a judge's ruling that the investigation infringed upon journalistic protections.
Kendall, who served as Air Force chief under President Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025, expressed to CNN that he believed the new jet would require several years of modifications to meet the operational standards of the older presidential aircraft, particularly in terms of life support, communications, and security features.
Trump has consistently accused the media of disseminating false narratives about him and his administration. He has also made efforts to address leaks, recently vowing to pursue and penalize individuals responsible for leaking information, particularly following reports about the depletion of US missile stockpiles during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump refuted claims regarding the ammunition stockpile, asserting that it remains "unlimited."
