The Department of War has revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s eligibility to access classified information following what officials described as an unauthorized disclosure involving sensitive information about Air Force One.
The decision was announced Friday by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who said the action took effect immediately. Parnell also said Kendall is barred from holding any sensitive government position that requires classified-access eligibility.
“Safeguarding classified information is a non-negotiable duty,” Parnell said, emphasizing that individuals entrusted with national-security information are expected to protect it.
According to Parnell, Kendall allegedly disclosed classified information concerning capabilities of Air Force One to a media organization. The Pentagon did not identify the outlet involved and has not publicly detailed exactly what information it believes Kendall revealed.
The announcement comes shortly after The Wall Street Journal published a report examining differences between the newer Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar for presidential use and the existing VC-25A aircraft traditionally associated with Air Force One.
Kendall was among the former government officials quoted in the newspaper’s reporting. The article examined differences between the aircraft, including capabilities and systems related to presidential security and survivability.
The report discussed features that the newer aircraft does not currently possess in the same configuration as the older presidential fleet, including aerial refueling capabilities and certain protections designed to help safeguard the aircraft during extreme national-security scenarios. It also examined differences involving defensive systems and other operational features.
However, the Pentagon has not said whether information contained in that particular report was the basis for Kendall’s loss of clearance.
Kendall has also spoken publicly about the presidential aircraft modernization program in other recent interviews. In July, he reportedly told The Wall Street Journal that fully modifying a Boeing 747 to incorporate the defensive capabilities required for presidential transportation could take approximately three to four years.
The former secretary has extensive experience with the presidential aircraft program. Kendall served as secretary of the Air Force from 2021 until January 2025 under President Joe Biden. Before that, he held several senior defense positions, including undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics during the Obama administration.
His connection to the presidential aircraft modernization effort dates back even further. In 2015, while serving as the Pentagon’s acquisition chief, Kendall was involved in the process that selected Boeing’s 747-8 platform for the next generation of presidential aircraft.
That background gave Kendall significant knowledge of the technical and military requirements associated with presidential aviation.
Air Force One is far more than a conventional executive aircraft. Its specialized communications systems, security measures and survivability features are designed to allow the president to continue governing during emergencies, including major national-security crises.
Because of that mission, information concerning specific defensive capabilities or potential vulnerabilities can be highly sensitive.
The Pentagon’s announcement did not indicate whether Kendall is facing a criminal investigation or whether the matter has been referred to the Justice Department. It also remains unclear whether additional disciplinary or legal action could follow.
For now, Kendall’s classified-access eligibility has been revoked, while officials have provided few details about the alleged disclosure.
The case raises broader questions about the handling of sensitive military information and the responsibilities of former senior officials who retain knowledge of classified national-security capabilities after leaving government service.
As the Pentagon maintains its investigation, attention is likely to remain focused on what information was allegedly disclosed, how it was obtained, and whether further action will be taken.
