Former Air Force Secretary To Sue Trump Admin Over Loss of Security Clearance

Last month, the Justice Department subpoenaed New York Times reporters who published stories examining security concerns surrounding the aircraft, including questions about its lack of some advanced defensive systems found on the current presidential aircraft.

The subpoenas were later withdrawn after a federal judge criticized the government’s handling of the matter and raised concerns about the legal process used to obtain the reporters’ information.

As for Kendall, Pentagon officials are providing few details about precisely what was disclosed or where it appeared, but the department says the matter involved capabilities connected to one of the most recognizable and security-sensitive aircraft in the world.

Earlier in July, Kendall told The Wall Street Journal that fully modifying a Boeing 747 with the defensive capabilities necessary to protect the president should take approximately three to four years.

Before joining the Biden administration, Kendall held several senior defense positions and served as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics during the Obama administration.