# Frank Kendall security clearance dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/frank-kendall-security-clearance-dispute
> Updated: 2026-08-11T01:36:18.000Z. Sources: 42. Developments: 2.

The Pentagon revoked the security clearance and sensitive position eligibility of former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall following allegations that he made an unauthorized disclosure to the media. The leak reportedly concerned the capabilities of a Boeing 747-8 aircraft donated by Qatar that serves as Air Force One. Reports suggested the aircraft lacked critical defensive systems, such as advanced anti-missile protections, which led President Trump to use an older aircraft for a NATO summit in Turkey.

Kendall, who served during the Biden administration, stated he was “completely mystified” by the decision and maintained that he never shared classified information. The incident prompted a Department of Justice leak probe and the creation of a joint task force to identify officials accused of disclosing sensitive data.

In response to the revocation, Kendall announced intentions to sue the Trump administration to restore his clearance. Represented by attorney Mark Zaid, Kendall characterized the move as part of a history of retaliation against critics. This legal challenge follows previous administration actions involving the revocation of clearances for various current and former national security officials.

## Claims

- Frank Kendall will sue the Trump administration to restore his security clearance. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Trump administration revoked Frank Kendall's security clearance on Friday. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The administration claimed Kendall disclosed sensitive information regarding a Qatari-gifted jet used as Air Force One. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Kendall denies disclosing classified information. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- National security attorney Mark Zaid has been hired by Frank Kendall. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- In August 2025, the Trump administration revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-11: Frank Kendall to sue Trump administration over revoked security clearance

Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall will sue the Trump administration to restore his revoked security clearance, which officials claim was lost due to the disclosure of sensitive information about a Qatari

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/frank-kendall-to-sue-trump-administration-over-revoked-security-clearance

### 2026-08-07: Pentagon revokes Frank Kendall's security clearance over Air Force One leak

The Pentagon has revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s security clearance, accusing him of unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding the capabilities of a Qatari-gifted Air Force_

39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pentagon-revokes-former-air-force-secretary-frank-kendalls-security-clearance

---
Cite as: Frank Kendall security clearance dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/frank-kendall-security-clearance-dispute