Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin’s Mysterious Hospitalization—Which Biden Didn’t Even Know About—Explained

Headline: Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's Hospitalization Kept Secret from White House and Defense Officials, Spurring Indignation

Subhead: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization raises eyebrows amidst ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel

The Department of Defense (DoD) reportedly kept Pentagon Chief, Lloyd Austin's hospitalization secret from the White House for several days, generating widespread criticism amid ongoing military conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. Reports revealing this surfaced on Saturday night.

Austin, US Secretary of Defense, had been admitted to the hospital on January 1 following post-surgical complications from an elective medical procedure, as per the Pentagon's statement. However, the White House was left in the dark about his hospitalization until Thursday, say multiple reports.

Austin, who as of Saturday night is still in the hospital, spent four days in intensive care according to NBC. In his absence, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks assumed some of his duties, Politico reported, citing a top-ranking Defense Department official.

The Pentagon allegedly didn't inform high-ranking Defense Department officials, instead passing off Austin's absence as remote working, and only notified Congress 15 minutes prior to publicizing his hospitalization in Friday evening’s statement.

This news sparked widespread indignation among media and lawmakers on Saturday night, with Senator Tom Cotton warning of ramifications for Austin. Meanwhile, the Pentagon Press Association insisted in a statement that Austin had forfeited his right to privacy in this scenario.

President Biden spoke with Austin on Saturday night. An unnamed government official reportedly told Politico that their conversation was amicable and reassured the news outlet of the President's complete trust in Austin.

The Pentagon explained the belated disclosure, citing the volatile situation and concerns about medical and personal privacy. Austin conceded it was a misjudgment and committed to improving future communication in a statement.

Critics didn't hold back their disapproval. "The secretary of defense is a critical link in the presidential chain of command, including decision-making related to the nuclear arsenal within minutes. There must be repercussions for this shocking failure,” Senator Cotton asserted.

Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, ruefully noted that the president, at all times, needs to be aware of his Cabinet members' whereabouts.

Austin conceded in his Saturday statement, "I do appreciate mainstream media's concerns about transparency, and I accept that I should have done a better job making sure the public was duly informed. I commit to improving."

In emphasizing his sole responsibility for the disclosures, Austin said, "It's important to remember, this was my medical procedure."

The timing of Austin's hospitalization coincides with a critical point for the US Military, specifically the Navy ships in the Red Sea, increasingly embroiled in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This news further strains the already tense negotiations for supplementary aid to Ukraine and Israel between Democrats and Republicans. Complicating matters is Austin's advocacy for the aid increase on behalf of the White House, which has been held up in Congress due to Republican stipulations for strict border control measures.
Throughout Biden's presidency, the Defense Department has faced consistent criticism from Republicans over culturally sensitive issues, including policies about abortion and gender-confirming treatment for military personnel.