Ex-Air Force Secretary Plans to Sue Trump Administration Over Security Clearance Revocation

Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall plans to sue the Trump administration.

Kendall, who headed the Air Force under Biden, said Monday on CNN he will file suit to restore his clearance after Friday's revocation; he denied the disclosure. Kendall called the revocation "completely mystified."

"I've always been extremely careful to not say anything classified, and as far as I know I have not." "No one has said anything to me about what I'm asserted to have revealed, and I can't imagine what it could be."

Kendall said it was important to "stand up to bullies."

The Pentagon barred Kendall from holding "any sensitive position," saying he disclosed sensitive information to the media about Air Force One.

He was quoted in a New York Times article that the time for upgrades would not have been enough for "all the normal Air Force One modifications" before Trump used the plane.

The Justice Department last month subpoenaed multiple NYT reporters who published stories about the jet's security concerns (including that it lacked advanced antimissile capabilities); the subpoenas were withdrawn after a federal judge's criticism.

Mark Zaid, on X, confirming he was hired: "More to come."

Trump has rescinded clearances of 37 current/former national security officials, Biden, Harris, Blinken, and Gen. Mark Milley (the latter via Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth).