Posted 1/6/2024, 11:01:08 PM
Pentagon Kept Austin Hospitalization Private for Days, Frustrating White House and Congress
- Defense Secretary Austin was hospitalized on Jan 1st, but the Pentagon did not inform President Biden or top White House officials for 3 days
- Austin spent 4 days in ICU; his duties were partially delegated to Deputy Secretary Hicks from Jan 1-5
- News of Austin's hospitalization and condition was kept quiet at the Pentagon until late on Jan 6 when it was announced publicly
- Members of Congress and Pentagon officials expressed frustration at not being informed sooner
- The delayed notification raises questions about transparency and protocols for reporting on senior leader medical issues