President Joe Biden was reportedly unaware for several days that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had been hospitalized, raising concerns about transparency in the White House. According to a source familiar with the matter, National security adviser Jake Sullivan informed Biden about Austin’s hospitalization on Thursday afternoon, after learning about it himself. Austin was admitted to the hospital on New Year’s Day due to complications from an elective surgery.
The Pentagon announced Austin’s hospitalization on Friday, with Austin issuing his first statement on Saturday, expressing that he could have done a better job notifying the public. However, details about his condition and the reason for his hospitalization were not provided. As of Saturday evening, Austin remained in the hospital. He thanked the staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for their care and assured the public that he is on the mend and looking forward to returning to the Pentagon.
In his statement, Austin acknowledged concerns about transparency and committed to doing better. However, he did not apologize for the delay in notifying the public and the press. Austin had participated in a call with President Biden on New Year’s Day to discuss national security matters, including the situation in the Red Sea. It is unclear whether the call took place before or after Austin was hospitalized, but he appeared fine during the meeting.
The delay in informing the White House about Austin’s hospitalization shocked and concerned senior administration officials. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks assumed Austin’s duties while he was on vacation in Puerto Rico. Austin has since resumed his full duties, and President Biden spoke with him on Saturday evening, expressing confidence in Austin’s abilities.
Congressional oversight committees were not notified of Austin’s hospitalization until Friday night. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, stated that Austin is recovering well. NBC and Politico were the first to report some of the details of this story. The incident highlights the need for improved communication and transparency within the administration, especially regarding the health of key officials.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”