Pentagon revokes former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's security clearance over alleged classified Air Force One disclosure: Sean Parnell
Washington DC, August 8
The Pentagon has revoked the former US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's eligibility to access classified information and barred him from holding any sensitive position over the alleged unauthorised disclosure of classified information related to Air Force One, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced on Friday.
In a post on X, Parnell said the decision took effect immediately and was prompted by what the Department of War described as Kendall's disclosure of classified information concerning Air Force One's capabilities to a media outlet.
"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. This action follows his unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One's capabilities to a media outlet," Parnell said.
Emphasising the department's stance on protecting sensitive information, he added, "Safeguarding classified information is a non-negotiable duty. Those who violate that trust forfeit the privilege of access and any role requiring it."
The announcement comes amid the Trump administration's broader scrutiny of alleged leaks involving national security information.
Earlier in June, the administration of US President Donald Trump issued subpoenas to several journalists from The New York Times, seeking to compel them to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan over the newspaper's reporting on security concerns surrounding a Qatari-donated Air Force One aircraft, The New York Times reported.
According to the publication, the subpoenas were issued by Jay Clayton, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and required journalists to testify regarding an alleged violation of federal criminal law. In several instances, federal agents reportedly delivered the subpoenas to the journalists' homes.
The newspaper identified the journalists who received subpoenas as Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager and Eric Schmitt.
The reports at the centre of the investigation stated that President Trump travelled from Turkey aboard the older Air Force One after receiving security advice from the US Secret Service. Another report said the Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar for presidential use lacked certain advanced security features, including anti-missile capabilities, citing anonymous sources familiar with sensitive security matters.
Reacting to the subpoenas, The New York Times criticised the move, arguing that compelling journalists to testify could undermine press freedom and discourage investigative reporting on matters of public interest.
The publication also noted that while successive US administrations have investigated leaks of classified information, subpoenas directed at journalists remain relatively uncommon.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I understand the need to protect classified information, I can't help but wonder if this is more about political retaliation than actual security concerns. The timing with the Trump administration's crackdown on media is suspicious. We should always question whether such actions are truly about national security or just silencing critics.
As someone who follows international affairs closely, this seems like classic American power politics. The Americans keep talking about press freedom, but when it comes to protecting their own interests, they don't hesitate to subpoena journalists and revoke clearances. Hypocrisy at its finest. What do they expect other nations to think?
Honestly, if he leaked classified information about Air Force One's capabilities, that's a serious breach. Our own Defense Ministry in India takes such offenses very seriously too. National security should be above politics and personal loyalties. I hope this serves as a lesson for everyone, whether in the US or India, that such actions have consequences.
The real story here is the media's role in this. NYT journalists getting subpoenas at their homes? That's alarming for anyone who believes in a free press. If we can't trust journalists to investigate matters of public interest, then democracy itself is at risk. This isn't just an American problem; it's a global concern that affects how information flows everywhere. 🤔
I find it interesting how the US always projects itself as the defender of press freedom, but look at this - they're literally pressuring journalists and revoking clearances left and right. Meanwhile, countries like India are constantly criticized for doing similar things. The double standards are just too obvious
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.