(Rightallegiance.com) – Criticism and concerns regarding US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have escalated significantly in the wake of revelations surrounding his recent hospitalization, prompting an urgent reassessment of the transparency and communication protocols within the Biden administration.
The controversy centers on the fact that Kathleen Hicks, the deputy to Secretary Austin, remained unaware of his hospitalization until January 4th, four days after he was admitted to intensive care. The delayed notification has raised eyebrows not only due to the crucial nature of Austin’s position as the head of the Department of Defense but also because he is second only to the President in the military chain of command.
The lack of transparency has led to questions about the efficiency and reliability of the communication channels within the Pentagon and the broader administration. For three days, high-ranking defense officials, and even the White House, were kept in the dark about Austin’s health status, raising concerns about the potential impact on decision-making processes within the military.
In response to the growing criticism, the Biden administration has expressed its support for Secretary Austin, emphasizing its commitment to a comprehensive review of the communication procedures. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated, “We’ll conduct what’s akin to a hot wash and attempt to identify if any processes and procedures need modification to ensure lessons are learned from this incident.”
Despite the assurances from the administration, questions linger about the timing and nature of the disclosures. President Joe Biden, who spoke with Secretary Austin on Saturday, reiterated his commitment to retaining Austin in his position, emphasizing that the president’s primary focus is on Austin’s health and recovery.
The delayed notifications were attributed to Austin’s chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, being unwell during the critical period. According to Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Maj Gen Pat Ryder, Magsamen was unable to make timely notifications, further complicating the situation. Additionally, the timeline revealed that Austin underwent an elective medical procedure on December 22, returning home the next day. However, severe pain on January 1 prompted his admission to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
While Austin has reportedly resumed full duties, concerns persist about the lack of transparency and its potential implications for the country’s defense. The expectation that any hospitalization of a key figure within the military hierarchy would be promptly communicated up the chain of command was not met in this case. This lapse in communication has fueled bipartisan criticism, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing alarm over the incident.
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, a Democrat, criticized the administration’s handling of the situation, stating, “The most disturbing thing I heard is that neither President Biden nor members of the National Security Council were informed he was hospitalized until Thursday. That’s not acceptable.” Democratic Congressman Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, echoed these concerns, calling for additional details on Austin’s health and the decision-making process during the past week.
Some Republicans have gone a step further, calling for Secretary Austin’s dismissal. Former President Donald Trump asserted that Austin “should be fired immediately for improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty,” while Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas called for “consequences for this shocking breakdown.”
Off-the-record assurances that President Biden isn’t considering firing Secretary Austin may do little to quell the questions surrounding what is undoubtedly a serious lapse in judgment. The pressure on Austin to provide more information about his health problems and his ability to handle the demanding role amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine is likely to intensify in the coming days.
The incident has not only cast a spotlight on the need for transparency within the defense establishment but has also ignited a broader debate about the resilience of communication systems at the highest levels of the US government.