Pentagon revokes security clearance of former Air Force chief
The Pentagon alleged that former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall disclosed sensitive information about Air Force One's capabilities to the media.
"This action follows his unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One's capabilities to a media outlet," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a social media post.
It follows reporting last month, including from The New York Times, on security concerns over the new, Qatari-gifted Air Force One , including that it lacked the advanced antimissile capabilities of its predecessor.
Kendall told The Associated Press late Friday that he was "completely mystified" by the revocation.
"I've always been extremely careful to not say anything classified, and as far as I know I have not," Kendall said. "No one has said anything to me about what I'm asserted to have revealed and I can't imagine what it could be."
The plane underwent a $400 million retrofit and upgrade. It was put into service domestically and President Trump also flew on it to Turkey last month for the NATO summit. But he used an older model Air Force One jet to leave the NATO summit, as the U.S. launched airstrikes on Iran and Tehran attacked three Gulf Arab states.