Posted 1/13/2024, 8:24:00 PM
Defense Secretary Hospitalized, Communication Breakdowns Delay White House Notification
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized on New Year's Day for complications from earlier prostate cancer surgery but did not inform the White House
- Austin underwent the initial cancer surgery and was recovering at home during the holidays without telling top staff
- After Austin was admitted to the ICU, it took several days for senior officials to be informed, causing controversy
- The lack of transparency about Austin's condition and hospitalization created distraction and criticism of the administration
- Biden and top officials expressed support for Austin but said notification procedures need improvement to avoid communication breakdowns