The Pentagon revoked the security clearance of Frank Kendall, who served as Secretary of the Air Force during the Biden administration, over an alleged unauthorized disclosure of classified information related to Air Force One. The action was reported by multiple outlets beginning August 8, 2026.
According to reporting from The Washington Post, Air Force Times, and The Hill, the administration accused Kendall of sharing classified details about the capabilities of Air Force One with a member of the press. The Hill cited the Pentagon's characterization of the alleged conduct as "unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One's capabilities."
Kendall has pushed back on the allegations, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine, though the precise nature of his dispute with the Pentagon's account has not been detailed in available reporting.
A Rare Action at the Cabinet Level
The move against a one-time service secretary draws attention to questions of accountability and information handling among senior defense figures after they leave office. The revocation was carried out by the current Pentagon against a former cabinet official of the preceding administration.
The story was first reported by The Washington Post and The Hill on August 8, with additional coverage from Air Force Times and Air & Space Forces Magazine on August 10.