Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Hospitalization Under Review

Delayed notification to White House and senior officials prompts scrutiny; Austin retains Biden's confidence amid calls for resignation.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized since New Year's Day, following an elective procedure on December 22. He experienced severe pain and was admitted to the intensive care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Austin delegated some authorities to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks on January 2, based on medical advice. However, the White House and other senior officials were not informed of Austin's hospitalization until January 4.
Despite Austin's hospitalization, the Pentagon has emphasized that national security was never in jeopardy and that Austin was capable of executing his duties as Secretary of Defense.
Both the White House and Pentagon are reviewing the incident, questioning why President Biden and other top officials weren't informed of Austin's condition for days. The Pentagon attributed the delayed notification to Austin's chief of staff being ill with the flu.
Despite calls for Austin's resignation from some Republicans, the White House has stated that Austin retains Biden's confidence and there are no plans for him to step down.