Pentagon Credibility Questioned Over Defense Chief's Secret Hospitalization
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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin kept his hospitalization secret, even from the White House, for 3 days, damaging the Pentagon's credibility.
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Austin spent 4 days in the ICU but provided no details on his illness or medical procedure. Officials question the administration's commitment to transparency.
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The deputy defense secretary and other Pentagon officials were unaware of Austin's hospitalization until late last week.
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Austin's illness comes as the administration faces international crises, undercutting Biden's image of control.
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The secrecy fuels criticism of Biden's promise of transparency and casts doubt on his national security leadership.