Recent revelations about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s secret hospitalization for prostate cancer have raised concerns about transparency within the Department of Defense. It has been discovered that Austin’s chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, was aware of his hospitalization but failed to inform Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. The delay in sharing this information was attributed to Magsamen’s illness with the flu. However, it has also been revealed that a military assistant from Austin’s office did notify a counterpart in Hicks’ office of the transfer of authority on January 2nd. The chief of staff for Hicks was then informed by Magsamen on January 4th that Austin had been hospitalized on January 1st and that his condition was improving.
The fact that President Biden was not informed of Austin’s prostate cancer diagnosis until a month after the initial diagnosis has raised questions about the communication process within the Defense Department. Despite speaking with Biden on the phone, Austin did not disclose his health condition. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center disclosed that Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early December and underwent a prostatectomy on December 22nd. The hospital clarified that Austin’s recovery was without complications, and his prognosis is excellent.
During his hospitalization, Austin transferred authority to Hicks without informing the White House or providing a reason for the transfer. The Defense Department initially stated that Austin was at Walter Reed for an “elective medical procedure” rather than prostate surgery. However, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that Biden only learned of Austin’s hospitalization on Thursday and of the cancer diagnosis on Tuesday. Kirby acknowledged that the time-lapse in informing the president was “not optimal,” highlighting the need for improved communication protocols.
The lack of transparency surrounding Austin’s cancer diagnosis has drawn criticism from media outlets, Democrats, and Biden officials. It is seen as a breach of trust and a failure to follow proper protocols. The Pentagon has announced a 30-day review to determine the exact details of the communication breakdown and to identify the military assistant involved in notifying Hicks’ office.
The incident raises concerns about the overall transparency within the Department of Defense and the need for improved communication between top officials. The president, national security adviser, and other leaders within the Defense Department should have been informed promptly about Austin’s health condition. The situation has prompted discussions about the importance of transparency in government and the need for accountability.
As the investigation continues, it is expected that measures will be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident serves as a reminder that transparency and effective communication are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the smooth functioning of government agencies.
