**Pentagon Revokes Security Clearance of Former Air Force Chief Over Alleged Leak**
The Pentagon has taken the significant step of revoking the security clearance of Frank Kendall, the former chief of the U.S. Air Force, following allegations that he leaked classified information regarding the capabilities of Air Force One, the presidential aircraft. This decision was announced by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell in a statement released on social media platform X.
According to Parnell, the revocation of Kendall's security clearance was a direct consequence of his "unauthorized disclosure of classified information" to a media outlet. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding classified information, stating, "Safeguarding classified information is a non-negotiable duty. Those who violate that trust forfeit the privilege of access and any role requiring it."
The controversy surrounding Kendall arises from recent reports suggesting that a modified Boeing 747-8, which was gifted to former President Donald Trump by the Qatari government, lacks the same security and defense capabilities as the older model of Air Force One. These reports have been covered by several news organizations, including MS NOW and The New York Times.
In a related development, it was reported that Trump had swapped the Qatari-gifted aircraft for the original Air Force One last month. This exchange reportedly took place as Trump traveled from a NATO summit in Türkiye to the United Kingdom, amid concerns regarding a potential plot against his life by Iranian operatives.
The situation escalated further when the Department of Justice issued subpoenas to reporters from The New York Times after the publication detailed security concerns related to the new aircraft. However, the DOJ later rescinded the subpoenas following a ruling from a judge, who determined that the investigation infringed upon protections granted to journalists.
Kendall, who served as Air Force chief under President Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025, expressed his belief in a CNN interview last month that the newly acquired aircraft would require extensive modifications—potentially three to four years—to meet the operational standards of the older Air Force One in key areas such as life support, communications, and security.
The allegations of leaks and the subsequent actions taken by the Pentagon come at a time when Trump has been vocal about his disdain for media reports he deems false. He has frequently accused the press of disseminating "fake" stories about his presidency and has pledged to take action against those who leak information. Recently, Trump stated his intention to pursue and imprison "leakers" in response to reports claiming that the U.S. had significantly depleted its missile stockpile amid ongoing tensions with Iran. He refuted these claims, asserting that the country's ammunition reserves remain "unlimited."
As the situation unfolds, the Pentagon's decision to revoke Kendall's security clearance underscores the serious nature of the allegations and the importance placed on maintaining the confidentiality of national security information. The implications of this case could have lasting effects on the individuals involved and the broader discourse surrounding the handling of classified information within the U.S. government.