The Biden administration has come under fire after it emerged that the White House was unaware of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization for several days. 70 years old Austin was admitted to the Walter Reed Medical Center on Monday because of serious complications during surgery. An official stated that the White House did not know anything about the situation until Thursday morning.
In a statement, Secretary Austin admitted lack of communication and accepted it by saying “I recognize I could have done better job to ensure the public was properly informed. “I solemnly promise to do better from now on.” Austin, who is the second in command after the president within the military chain of responsibilities for US is responsible only for his body,” So it was my medical operation and I am liable exclusively under that category. I am very pleased to recover and soon hope that I will be back in the Pentagon.
Lloyd Austin: White House not told for days defence secretary in hospital https://t.co/FUeoxFbcFD
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) January 7, 2024
Although Austin is reported to remain in the hospital it was also said that yesterday he resumed his full duties. However, it is not clear how much Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks intervened during his illness. CNN has reported that from time to time she filled in for him when she herself was vacationing in Puerto Rico.
President Joe Biden allegedly had a “warm” call with Secretary Austin on Saturday, as one official said: the president trusts in every word that comes out of Secretary’s mouth. He is eager for him to come back at the Pentagon.
The situation has caused concern among Republicans, particularly Senator Tom Cotton who highlighted the critical role of a secretary for defense in a chain of command. “If this report is true, something must be done about this shocking breakdown,” Cotton said. Other Senator Roger Wicker commented happily about Austin’s recovery, but he condemned the Department of Defense for hiding facts on the state of health things related to this secretary.
Pentagon Press Association, a group of reporters who follow the defense department also railed on against silence in letters sent to the Pentagon. It emphasized the need for public disclosure of health status and decision-making power, especially in light of current threats to US military service members fighting in Middle East , as well as nation’s role in conflicts like those happening nowadays between Israel and Ukraine . The incident confirms the necessity to increase transparency in matters of national security and leadership within Biden’s administration.
