Pentagon accuses former Air Force secretary of leaking classified information about Air Force One

The Pentagon on Friday revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s access to classified material and accused him of leaking sensitive information about Air Force One to reporters. 

“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,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced on X. 

“This action follows his unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One’s capabilities to a media outlet,” Parnell continued. “Safeguarding classified information is a non-negotiable duty. 

“Those who violate that trust forfeit the privilege of access and any role requiring it.” 

Kendall served as secretary of the Air Force under former President Joe Biden. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

The Trump administration subpoenaed several New York Times journalists last month after the outlet reported that the luxurious, $400 million Boeing 747 jet gifted to President Trump by Qatar was swapped out ahead of the commander-in-chief’s return from the NATO summit in Turkey over a “security precaution.”

The newspaper reported concerns that the newly refurbished presidential plane hadn’t been “retrofitted with sufficient security measures” before it entered service as Air Force One.

It also cited lawmakers questioning whether “an advanced missile defense system and other modifications” had been installed on the Qatari-gifted jet. 

Trump flew into Turkey last month on the Qatari-gifted jet but departed on a different plane. AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez

Days after the subpoenas were issued, War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a joint task force with the Department of Justice to identify and prosecute officials who leak “sensitive information” to the media.

Kendall served as the secretary of the Air Force between July 2021 and January 2025, under former President Joe Biden. 

He did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.