White House officials confirmed Monday that President Biden is not considering firing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who did not disclose that he was hospitalized.
The Pentagon said Friday that Austin had been hospitalized since last Monday due to complications from a previous surgery. But Biden was not informed of his absence until Thursday as the Pentagon kept the situation internal, raising concerns about government transparency.
Former President Trump on Monday called for Austin to be fired, calling his actions “improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty.” Trump, the front-runner in the Republican primary, said Austin was “missing” and that even his “boss, Crooked Joe Biden,” didn't know where he was.
The Associated Press reported Saturday that Biden expressed confidence in Austin's leadership despite the scandal. on monday, First reported by Reuters Biden says he has no intention of eliminating Austin.
Austin, a 70-year-old retired Army four-star general, returned to work Friday after being hospitalized. In a statement Saturday night, he acknowledged that he “could have done a better job” in ensuring the public was informed about his hospitalization and said he “takes full responsibility for my decisions regarding disclosure.” .
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks was away in Puerto Rico while Austin was hospitalized. U.S. officials told The Associated Press that they were setting up communications to allow her to carry out her mission.
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