Pentagon strips ex-Air Force chief of classified access over alleged Air Force One disclosure

WASHINGTON, DC: The Pentagon on Friday, Aug 7, revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's access to classified information following an "unauthorized disclosure" to a media outlet around President Donald Trump's Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet, Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced.

Last year, Qatar gave the Pentagon the aircraft, a move Trump celebrated as a generous $400 million gift. The White House barely acknowledged concerns from critics about ethics, legality, and national security.

Part of a broader leak investigation

"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 wrote on X.

Trump pulled the clearance after a high-profile leak investigation he launched in response to reports about security risks tied to the plane gifted by Qatar.

The investigation swept up New York Times reporters, who received subpoenas for their coverage, a move that sparked sharp backlash from journalists and press freedom groups. The probe also pressured White House officials to hand over their phones.

Throughout his second term, Trump has pressed for more federal investigations into leaks to the media.

Earlier this year, the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal fought behind the scenes in court to stop the government from subpoenaing several of their reporters over national security leaks.

Kendall told CNN earlier that the new jet needs three to four years of upgrades before it can reach the same safety standards as the older Boeing 747s now serving as Air Force One.

CNN also reported that, in some ways, the newer plane actually falls short of the older one when it comes to protecting the president during international travel.

Questions over jet's origins and safety persist

Qatar donated the new jet to the Pentagon last year, and the White House has brushed aside ethical, legal and national security questions about accepting a gift worth $400 million from a foreign country.

The president has lavished praise on the retrofitted plane and flew it to Turkey in July for a NATO summit, after an initial assessment by top officials deemed it safe, sources previously told CNN.

When he left Turkey, Trump opted to take the older presidential plane rather than the newer jet, spurring reporters' scrutiny of its security deficiencies.

Even though the controversy continues, Trump still plans to use the jet Qatar gave him for travel within the US and possibly a few trips abroad until the upgrades are finished.

One source told CNN the plane is considered safe enough for less risky destinations. Stripping Kendall of his clearance is just the latest step the administration has taken in response to news reports about the jet’s capabilities.