politics
Pentagon revokes security clearance of former Air Force chief for disclosing "classified information regarding Air Force One's capabilities"
The Pentagon revoked former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's "eligibility" to access classified information and barred him from holding "any sensitive position," alleging Friday that he disclosed sensitive information about Air Force One's capabilities to the media.
TL;DR
- Pentagon revoked former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's eligibility for classified information access and sensitive positions.
- The revocation is due to allegations of unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One's capabilities to the media.
- Kendall denies the allegations, stating he has been careful not to reveal classified information.
- Reports previously highlighted security concerns over the new Air Force One, noting it lacked advanced antimissile capabilities of its predecessor.
- The new plane, gifted by Qatar, underwent a $400 million retrofit but some desired modifications were intentionally excluded.
- The Justice Department had previously subpoenaed New York Times reporters over sources related to the Air Force One reporting, but later withdrew the subpoenas.
- The Air Force confirmed certain modifications were excluded, such as widened doors and multiple stairs.
- This incident is among several instances of the Trump administration revoking security clearances.