The Pentagon has revoked former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s access to classified information, alleging that he disclosed sensitive information about Air Force One’s capabilities to the media.

Background

This decision follows reporting last month on security concerns over the new, Qatari-gifted Air Force One, including that it lacked the advanced antimissile capabilities of its predecessor. The plane underwent a $400 million retrofit and upgrade and has been put into service domestically.

President Donald Trump also flew on it to Turkey last month. However, 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.

The New York Times reported that the president made the switch at the urging of the Secret Service and that the newer plane lacked some of the advanced security features of the older Air Force One aircraft. Trump denied to reporters that the swap was due to security concerns, although he also said he is under threat “all the time” and is Iran’s “No. 1” target.

Response to Reporting

In response to the reporting, the Justice Department subpoenaed The New York Times’ reporters to try to compel them to reveal their sources, which stirred fears over press freedoms. The department, after criticism from the judge for sloppy legal work, withdrew the subpoenas last month.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell didn’t specify in a post which media outlet Kendall was accused of sharing classified information with. “Safeguarding classified information is a non-negotiable duty,” he wrote. “Those who violate that trust forfeit the privilege of access and any role requiring it.”

Kendall did not immediately respond to a call and text seeking comment.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.