On CNN's “The Source” broadcast Monday, CNN national security analyst and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said the outcry over Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalization is “a molehill.” “We're making mountains out of them,” he claimed. It was as if he had been spirited away in a secret place. ''And Walter Reed's commander and secretary's security forces knew where he was, and if something really serious happened, “the communication lines would be lit up pretty hard,'' Clapper also said. Austin also stated that he is an introvert.
Clapper said if the same thing happened to him when he was in government, “I wouldn't be happy about it… but I think this is a really good opportunity for everyone to take a deep breath.” I don't think so — I think we're making a mountain out of a molehill here. And I think a number of events came together that worked against the Director. One is the absence of Cass.[leen] Deputy Secretary Hicks was away from Puerto Rico on vacation, although there was a communication connection. And I think the important thing is that his chief of staff was out sick. So, I spent a lot of time there during his 13 years at the Department of Defense, and sometimes what seems like a simple bureaucratic process just doesn't work as it should.I think Secretary Austin is famous. [as] Someone who really values their privacy. He's always been like that, even during his playing days. He is somewhat introverted and avoids the limelight and avoids public appearances as much as possible. And it's not like he was spirited away somewhere undisclosed. He was at Walter Reed, the premier military medical facility. Walter Reed's commander certainly knew he was there. His security personnel, Director Austin's security personnel, certainly knew where he was. Therefore, I think there is clearly a serious lapse in reporting and media responsibility, and I think the Department of Defense will crack down on it. ”
He added that Austin's hospitalization should have been reported, but that it was the staff's job, not Austin's, to do so. And… fortunately, there were no extreme circumstances that led to anything really serious. I think if there had been an extreme situation, the communication lines would have been lit up quite actively. ”
Mr. Clapper also said that people in these senior positions are waiving their right to privacy.
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