Calls for the resignation of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have escalated after it was revealed that he was secretly hospitalized for prostate cancer without the knowledge of the White House. A congressional coalition of former military pilots, known as the MACH 1 Caucus, sent a letter to President Biden demanding Austin’s resignation or immediate dismissal. The caucus argues that Austin’s blatant violation of transparency protocols and lapse in judgment warrants his departure from office. The letter, obtained by Digital, was signed by Republican representatives August Pfluger, Mike Garcia, Jake Ellzey, and Scott Franklin, all of whom are former military pilots.
The MACH 1 Caucus, which advocates for fighter pilots and educates other members of Congress on military pilot-related issues, highlights the importance of secondary layers of authority during times of absence. Representative Pfluger, who spearheaded the letter, condemned Austin’s absence without notifying the President or properly appointing a proxy, stating that it weakens the military and poses a threat to national security.
Conservative leaders and lawmakers have repeatedly called for Austin’s resignation or termination since news broke of his hospitalization. Reports revealed that Biden, the National Security Council, and top Pentagon leaders were unaware of Austin’s medical treatment for days. The Pentagon’s press secretary later explained that the delay in notification was due to Austin’s chief of staff falling ill with the flu.
It was disclosed that Austin underwent a prostatectomy last month and was admitted to the ICU last week due to a urinary tract infection following the procedure. The MACH 1 Caucus expressed concern that Austin’s failure to follow proper protocol during his absence undermines the chain of command and poses risks to national security, particularly during ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Legal expert Andy McCarthy emphasized that Austin’s actions undermine the U.S. constitutional commitment to civilian control of the military and readiness in times of crisis. McCarthy highlighted the importance of civilian leadership and the president’s role as commander-in-chief in maintaining national security. He argued that Austin’s concealment of his hospitalization from the White House was reckless, especially given the current global instability and threats from Russia, China, and Iranian proxies.
The MACH 1 Caucus has called on President Biden to provide answers to a series of questions regarding Austin’s absence, including whether any key national security decisions were made during that time and the details of communication that ensured the military’s chain of command remained intact. They also requested information on disciplinary actions for Austin and staff members who failed to meet the standards of public disclosure for senior government officials.
While the Pentagon and White House have defended Austin, stating that he has the full trust and confidence of President Biden, they acknowledge the concerns raised by the public and Congress regarding transparency and notification procedures. The Department of Defense has committed to reviewing its notification process for top leaders.
The MACH 1 Caucus is urging President Biden to schedule a meeting to discuss Austin’s hospitalization and the breach of protocol. As of now, the White House has not responded to the caucus’s letter.
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