Defense Secretary Austin Hospitalized, Top Officials Not Informed for Days

Austin Takes Full Responsibility for Secrecy, Promises Better Transparency

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized on New Year's Day following complications from an elective procedure, and spent four days in the Intensive Care Unit.
The Pentagon did not inform President Biden, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and other top officials about Austin's hospitalization for three days.
During Austin's hospitalization, his duties were partially assumed by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, who was on pre-scheduled vacation in Puerto Rico at the time.
Austin has taken 'full responsibility' for the secrecy surrounding his hospitalization and committed to better transparency in the future.
Questions remain about who was in charge and able to execute the secretary’s duties during his illness, including Austin’s place in the nuclear chain of command.