Former Air Force Secretary Says He'll Sue Trump Administration to Restore His Security Clearance

Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall announced Monday that he intends to sue the Trump administration to restore his security clearance, which was revoked Friday. The administration claimed the revocation was based on allegations that he disclosed sensitive information regarding the Qatari-gifted aircraft now serving as Air Force One.

Kendall, who served as the Air Force's leader under President Joe Biden and is a West Point graduate, stated on CNN that he will pursue legal action, pointing to what he characterized as a pattern of the administration revoking clearances as retaliation against critics. "As my mother taught me years ago, you stand up to bullies," Kendall said. He has denied disclosing classified information.

National security attorney Mark Zaid, whose own clearance was revoked by the Trump administration, confirmed via social media that Kendall had retained him for representation. Zaid specializes in security clearance matters for military and civilian clients facing investigations.

The clearance revocation is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration. In a March 2025 executive order, Trump designated former President Joe Biden and his family members, Biden-era Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and New York state Attorney General Letitia James as unsuitable to retain clearances. In August 2025, the administration revoked clearances for 37 additional current and former national security officials.

The administration has also moved to restrict reporting on the Qatari jet. Its Justice Department last month subpoenaed New York Times reporters who covered security concerns with the aircraft, which lacks certain advanced anti-missile defenses present on its predecessor. The government withdrew the subpoenas after criticism from a federal judge regarding the legal process.