On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the Pentagon revoked the security clearance of former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, citing unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One's capabilities to the media. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated on social media that this action followed Kendall's alleged disclosure.

The revocation bars Kendall from accessing classified information and holding any sensitive position. This development follows reports, including from The New York Times, highlighting security concerns about the new Air Force One gifted by Qatar, which reportedly lacks the advanced antimissile defenses of its predecessor.

Kendall expressed confusion over the decision, telling The Associated Press he was "completely mystified" and insisted, "I've always been extremely careful to not say anything classified, and as far as I know I have not." He added, "No one has said anything to me about what I'm asserted to have revealed and I can't imagine what it could be."

According to sources briefed on the situation and CBS News reporting, the Secret Service recommended that the president continue using the older Air Force One, which is equipped with secure communications and sophisticated military defenses, while the Qatari-donated plane undergoes modifications. The Pentagon noted that "several highly complex engineering modifications" required for the new U.S.-made Air Force One were intentionally excluded in the Qatari modifications.

The case draws parallels to the Obama administration's filing of charges against Edward Snowden, who disclosed classified surveillance documents before fleeing the country.

Kendall stated he was comfortable discussing the Qatari 747 publicly, confident that he had not revealed classified information.

Sources