Pentagon officials have finally named the suspected leaker behind the security capabilities of the new Air Force One that was adopted shortly after President Donald Trump retook office.
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.
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellASW) August 7, 2026
This action follows his unauthorized disclosure of classified information…
The Department of War says that former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall leaked vital national security information to a media outlet, and as a result, revoked his access to sensitive material and his ability to obtain a position with clearance in the future.
The media outlet in question appears to be the New York Times, which previously reported that the new iteration of Air Force One “lacked the advanced antimissile capabilities of its predecessor,” according to CBS News. Kendall, who served under President Joe Biden, believes that his comments about Air Force One’s defense systems are not classified and is reportedly “mystified” that officials have stripped him of his clearance.
CBS has further reported that, when President Donald Trump took a trip to Turkey for a NATO summit, defense officials discovered a credible threat against Trump’s life in an Iranian plot to launch a missile at his aircraft.
Trump’s return flight took place on an alternate aircraft as a result of plot. The new iteration of Air Force One is now undergoing further upgrades to increase defense capabilities.