The White House has expressed its confidence in US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin despite criticism for what is being termed a “lack of transparency” during his recent three-day hospital stay. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that President Biden retains confidence in Austin’s leadership. However, the incident has prompted a call for a review of procedures to ensure better communication within the chain of command if a cabinet member is hospitalized.
Austin was admitted to the hospital on December 22 for an unspecified medical procedure, later returning home. He was readmitted on January 1, experiencing severe pain after participating in National Security Council discussions. The Pentagon disclosed that Austin, still in the hospital, has shifted out of intensive care and is “recovering well.”
During his hospitalization, Austin transferred some operational responsibilities to Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks, who was uninformed about the reason for the additional duties until Thursday. The delayed disclosure of Austin’s whereabouts, attributed in part to his chief of staff’s absence, has raised concerns, considering the defense secretary’s critical role in national security crises.
A review of procedures is expected to address any shortcomings in communication protocols during such situations.
