Sen. Joe Manchin (D-Virginia) has rejected calls to fire Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for failing to tell the White House that he was hospitalized earlier this month.
Manchin said on CBS' “Face the Nation” that there was “definitely a breakdown” in communication, but that Austin should not be fired for his mistake in not informing the White House of his hospitalization. . He added that lawmakers will be briefed on what actually happened this week and wished Austin a speedy recovery.
“We have a man who has dedicated his life to defending our country. If there is a mistake, we can correct it,” Manchin said. “Did we have a breakdown and basically lose control? I don't believe so, but we'll see.”
“You can make a decision later, but it doesn't change now. You can't get rid of someone who has given his whole life and given everything he has to do a good job. He said he made a mistake he shouldn't have made.”
Mr. Austin faced criticism earlier this month for not disclosing to the White House that he had been hospitalized for several days for treatment for prostate cancer. Some officials, including House Democrats, have called on Mr. Biden to fire Mr. Austin, but the White House has said the president is not considering doing so.
Manchin emphasized that he wants to know all the facts before sentencing the chief justice.
“My biggest concern is his health and well-being and his dedication to our country. I think we have an obligation to check the facts before we play politics,” he said.
“This toxic atmosphere is something people no longer like,” he added. “So have some civility in how you handle concerns for yourself and people.”
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