US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin admitted responsibility on Saturday for not promptly disclosing his recent hospitalisation. Reports indicated that top White House officials and President Joe Biden were unaware of his illness and inability to perform his duties.
The Pentagon announced Austin’s hospitalization four days after the fact, violating standard protocol during the ongoing Middle East crisis.
NBC News revealed that Austin spent four days in the intensive care unit. A Defense Department spokesperson confirmed his continued stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Saturday, with no discharge date yet known.
In a statement, Austin acknowledged the lapse in informing the public and expressed a commitment to do better. He clarified that the medical procedure was his decision, taking full responsibility. Austin thanked the medical staff at Walter Reed and stated he would be returning to the Pentagon soon.
Austin resumed full duties on Friday evening, according to the Defense Department. His hospitalization occurred amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, with conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, and various Iran-backed forces.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks assumed some routine decisions during Austin’s illness, and top White House officials were informed after Politico reported Austin’s hospitalization three days into his stay. President Biden was briefed by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and Congress learned about it 15 minutes before the official announcement.
A White House official emphasized Biden’s confidence in Secretary Austin and mentioned a warm conversation between the two. US Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican, demanded an explanation for the reported breakdown in communication, especially given the Secretary of Defense’s crucial role in the chain of command.
The Pentagon Press Association expressed “significant concerns” over the apparent lack of transparency, stressing the public’s right to know about Cabinet members’ hospitalizations or delegations of duties due to medical procedures.