Posted 1/14/2024, 5:19:00 PM
Manchin Rejects Calls to Fire Austin, Emphasizes Getting Facts Before Judgment
- Manchin rejects calls to fire Defense Secretary Austin over failure to inform White House of hospitalization
- Says there was "definitely a breakdown" in communication but mistakes can be fixed
- Lawmakers to be briefed this week on exactly what happened
- Emphasizes wanting to know all the facts before passing judgment
- Criticizes "toxic atmosphere" and calls for more "civility" in handling concerns about people