White House officials reaffirmed their support for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin despite the recent controversy surrounding his failure to disclose his emergency hospitalization. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that there are no plans for Austin to leave his position, indicating that he will remain in his job for the time being.
On January 1, Austin was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications from an elective surgery he had on December 22. However, Austin did not inform White House officials about his medical condition for three days. It was only on January 4 that he notified his deputy secretary and the National Security Council about his stay in the ICU. During this period, Austin reportedly transferred some operational responsibilities to his deputy secretary, Kathleen Hicks, while maintaining his readiness to exercise the power of his post.
Austin’s decision to keep his medical status concealed from his peers has raised concerns about potential national security implications. This lack of transparency occurred during a critical week when the United States was assessing various national security matters, including potential military actions in the Middle East. Notably, on January 4, the Pentagon conducted a drone strike in Baghdad targeting an Iran-backed militia leader, as part of ongoing efforts to counter Iranian military aggression. The Biden administration also discussed options for responding to attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in the Red Sea, which have disrupted major shipping routes.
The absence of transparency from Austin has alarmed members of Congress, leading to calls for his resignation. Representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties on the House Armed Services Committee issued a joint statement demanding more clarity regarding the undisclosed hospital stay. They expressed concerns over the handling of the situation and emphasized the need for proper disclosure. Additionally, Representative Elise Stefanik issued a separate statement, calling for Austin’s resignation and urging Congress to initiate a formal investigation into the incident.
Biden’s Support and Focus on Communication Protocols
While criticisms have mounted, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Joe Biden maintains “complete confidence” in Austin. Furthermore, Biden and Austin had a conversation over the telephone on Saturday, which was described as “warm” by a senior administration official. Despite this support, the White House has acknowledged the need to address the communication breakdown. John Kirby stated that the administration will review and enhance communication protocols to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has drawn criticism for the lack of transparency surrounding his emergency hospitalization. The delay in disclosing his medical condition to the White House, especially during a critical week for national security matters, has raised concerns among lawmakers. While President Biden has expressed confidence in Austin, calls for his resignation and demands for congressional clarity persist. The White House has acknowledged the need to improve communication protocols moving forward, emphasizing the importance of transparency and timely disclosure in matters affecting national security.