Austin, 70, who remains hospitalized after checking in on January 1, took responsibility for not making his visit public and acknowledged concerns about transparency.
But the Pentagon is still No information provided regarding elective medical procedures Did that lead to his recent hospitalization, or why was there such a huge gap between Austin's admission and when key officials were notified?
Republicans and Democrats alike are now demanding answers as to why President Biden and the Pentagon's No. 2, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, behaved inappropriately. I was not informed of my hospitalization until three days after check-in.
The revelations were made to members of Congress who were not informed until shortly before the Pentagon issued an official statement around 5 p.m. Friday. The lack of notification is alarming. Given that the US supports two wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and attacks US forces in the Middle East.
The White House is also outraged by the secrecy surrounding the hospitalization. But on Monday, the commander maintained his confidence in Austin. I'm not thinking of firing him.
“good See the process and instructions here We will try to learn from this experience and if we need to make any changes to our processes or procedures, we will do so,” White House National Security Press Secretary John Kirby said.
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Monday that Austin: I have no plans to resign.none of his staff does either.
Ryder defended the Pentagon on Monday. The cause was a delay in notifying key officials to Chief of Staff Austin.He was out sick with the flu, and the office was sparse due to the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Austin's first visit to the hospital was December 22nd due to elective medical procedure The Department of Defense has not yet identified them. He checked out the next day.
defense official Did not disclose initial steps to White Housesaid Ryder.
On January 1st, Austin was returned to the hospital by ambulance from his home with a personal security detail after experiencing “severe pain”. Ryder said he was admitted to the intensive care unit. He described Austin this way: “He's conscious but in a lot of pain.” at that time.
As of Monday, Austin Remains at Walter Reed Army Medical Center “He is recovering well and is in good spirits,” Ryder said.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.
