Defense Secretary Hospitalized, Notification Delay Raises Questions
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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized on January 1st after experiencing severe pain following an elective procedure in late December. He was admitted to the ICU.
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Austin delegated some authorities to Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks on January 2nd, but key administration officials including President Biden were not informed of Austin's hospitalization until January 4th.
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Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said the delay in notification was partly due to Austin's chief of staff being "ill with the flu." Procedures for notification are now under review.
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Biden is standing by Austin, but lawmakers in both parties have demanded accountability and transparency regarding the incident and the lack of disclosure.
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Austin has taken responsibility for the lack of transparency and pledged to do better, but continues to face scrutiny and calls for further investigation.