Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced on X that the Department of War has immediately revoked former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall’s eligibility to access classified information and his ability to hold any sensitive position.
According to Parnell, the action follows Kendall’s “unauthorized disclosure of classified information” regarding Air Force One’s capabilities to a media outlet. Parnell said the decision was made after the disclosure and stressed that safeguarding classified information is a “non-negotiable duty.”
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny over President Donald Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet. Reporting about safety concerns surrounding the aircraft reportedly angered Trump and prompted an extraordinary leak investigation. The probe included subpoenaing New York Times reporters who first reported on the issue, while White House officials were also asked to turn over their phones.
CNN previously reported that Trump’s newer plane does not possess the same capabilities as older Air Force One models designed to ensure the president’s safety during international travel.
Who Is Frank Kendall?
Frank Kendall was the 26th Secretary of the Air Force, where he was responsible for organizing, training and equipping the U.S. Air and Space Forces.
During his tenure, Kendall directed the Department of the Air Force’s annual budget of more than $173 billion and provided Air and Space forces to Combatant Commanders for global military operations. He was also accountable for the welfare of nearly 700,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen and Guardians and their families.
Kendall has more than 50 years of experience in engineering, management, defense acquisition and national security affairs across private industry, government and the military. He also worked as a consultant to defense industry firms, nonprofit research organizations and the Department of Defense in areas including strategic planning, engineering management and technology assessment.
Earlier in his career, Kendall served as Vice President of Engineering at Raytheon Company, where he managed and directed engineering functions and internal research and development. He also served as Managing Partner at Renaissance Strategic Advisors, a Virginia-based aerospace and defense consulting firm.
Within government, Kendall held several senior positions, including Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics and Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Tactical Warfare Programs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Kendall is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served 11 years as an active-duty Army officer, including assignments in Germany, teaching engineering at West Point, and working in research and development positions.