The Pentagon has revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s access to classified information after an alleged leak about Air Force One.
The decision was announced Friday by Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. He said Kendall had made an unauthorized disclosure of classified information about the plane’s capabilities.
The Pentagon said the action took effect at once. It also removed Kendall’s ability to hold any job that requires access to sensitive information.
Kendall served as Air Force secretary under former President Joe Biden. He left the post in January 2025.
Kendall has been a public critic of President Donald Trump since leaving office. He has also spoken about issues linked to the new aircraft that Trump is expected to use as Air Force One.
The case is tied to reports about a plane gifted to Trump by Qatar. The aircraft has drawn close attention because of questions about its safety and security features.
Reports on the plane have angered Trump. They also led to a wider leak probe by the administration.
The probe has focused on claims that sensitive information about the aircraft was shared with the media.
Parnell said the Pentagon action against Kendall was based on an alleged disclosure of classified data. The statement did not give more details about what Kendall is accused of sharing.
Kendall said he has been critical of the Trump administration since leaving office. His comments came as the Pentagon took action against his access to classified information.
The case has added to a wider fight between the Trump administration and the media over leaks of sensitive government information.
The dispute began after reports raised safety concerns about the Qatar gifted plane. The aircraft is expected to serve as a new presidential plane before a more permanent replacement is ready.
The reports also raised questions about how well the new plane can protect the president during foreign trips.
Earlier reports said the newer aircraft does not have all the same safety and security features found on older Air Force One planes.
That issue is important because Air Force One is not just a normal passenger aircraft. The presidential plane is built to support the president during a crisis. It must also allow the president to keep working while in the air.
The aircraft has secure systems and other special tools that help protect the president. Details about those systems are closely guarded by the US government.
The leak probe has already drawn strong criticism from press groups.
Officials have sought information from people who may have shared details with the media. The probe has also reached news reporters who worked on stories about the aircraft.
The New York Times has faced legal pressure over the investigation. Reporters were subpoenaed as part of the probe. Journalists and free press groups have criticized that move.
White House officials were also asked to turn over their phones during the investigation.
The fight is part of a larger pattern during Trump’s second term. The administration has pushed for federal probes into leaks to news outlets on several occasions.
Earlier this year, the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal were involved in a legal fight over government efforts to obtain information about reporters.
Those cases have raised wider questions about press freedom and the government’s power to investigate the release of national security information.
The Kendall case adds another layer to that debate.
The Pentagon must protect classified information, especially when it concerns presidential security. At the same time, any action against a former senior official can draw close public and legal review.
Kendall’s case may therefore become part of a wider debate over how the government handles classified data after officials leave office.
The Pentagon has not publicly detailed the information it says Kendall disclosed. That leaves key questions about the alleged leak and the evidence behind the decision.
For now, the Pentagon has made clear that Kendall can no longer access classified information or hold a sensitive role. The move shows how seriously the Trump administration is treating leaks tied to presidential security.
It also comes as the debate over the Qatar gifted aircraft continues. The dispute is likely to remain a major issue as the administration works to address concerns over the plane’s use and security.
