Pentagon Revokes Ex-Air Force Chief's Clearance
The Pentagon has revoked former US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall‘s access to classified information, alleging he disclosed sensitive details about Air Force One’s capabilities to the media. Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall disputes the claim, stating he is “completely mystified” by the revocation and has always been careful not to reveal classified information.
The revocation follows reporting on security concerns over the new Air Force One, which underwent a $400 million retrofit and upgrade but lacks some advanced security features of its predecessor. Kendall had commented on the plane’s capabilities, saying the time for upgrades would not have been enough for “all the normal Air Force One modifications” and was surprised the plane was used outside the US.
The Air Force has argued that the rapid conversion of the jet was done without accepting any risk regarding security, safety, or secure communications, but acknowledged the different capabilities of the new plane. The Pentagon‘s decision to revoke Kendall’s clearance is not the first time the administration has taken such action, having previously revoked security clearances for 37 national security officials.
The Pentagon declined to provide more information on whether Kendall is being referred for prosecution, which is typically partnered with accusations of violating the Espionage Act. This incident follows a pattern of high-profile security clearance revocations, including that of Gen. Mark Milley, retired Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, and a Massachusetts Air National Guard member who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for leaking classified military documents.
This development comes after the Justice Department subpoenaed reporters to try to compel them to reveal their sources, which was met with criticism and ultimately withdrawn. The incident raises concerns over press freedoms and the handling of classified information.
