The hospitalization of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has sparked criticism and raised questions about transparency and communication within the Pentagon. President Biden and top officials were not immediately alerted about Austin’s hospitalization, resulting in a breakdown in the notification process, the Pentagon admitted on Monday.
Austin, 70, was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on January 1 for severe pain related to complications following a recent elective medical procedure. However, Biden and the National Security Council were not informed about the hospitalization for a few days, and the press and Congress were only notified on Friday.
The Pentagon’s failure to disclose Austin’s hospitalization has faced mounting backlash from reporters and congressional leaders, who argue that it harms the credibility of the defense department. The Secretary’s chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, who was ill with the flu, was unable to make the necessary notifications in a timely manner. Magsamen informed Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks and national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday, but the National Security Council and Biden were not notified until then.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder acknowledged the shortcomings in the notification process and expressed a commitment to improvement. He stated that the Pentagon is reviewing its processes and procedures and will work on ensuring better communication with the White House and Congress in the future. Ryder also apologized for the delay in public acknowledgment and pledged to learn from the experience.
The lack of transparency and delayed notification has not only angered congressional leaders and the media responsible for covering the Pentagon but has also raised concerns about the overall transparency and accountability of the Defense Department. The incident highlights the need for greater clarity and promptness in informing relevant parties about significant developments within the government.
During Austin’s hospitalization, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks assumed some of his duties, but she was not informed about his hospitalization at the time. Austin was conscious during the ambulance ride to the hospital on January 1, and he participated in a call with President Biden earlier that day.
Despite the controversy surrounding the delayed notification, Austin remains committed to his position and has no plans to resign. The Pentagon will conduct a review of its notification procedures, including whether any regulations, rules, or laws were violated, and will take steps to improve the process. However, it is worth noting that the staff responsible for handling notifications did not disclose Austin’s hospitalization.
In a statement, Austin took responsibility for the delays in notification and expressed his commitment to doing better in terms of transparency. He acknowledged the concerns raised by the media and assured them that he understands the importance of appropriate public disclosure.
The incident surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and effective communication within the government. It highlights the challenges faced by the Pentagon in promptly notifying relevant parties about significant developments, and calls for reforms to ensure better accountability and transparency moving forward.
