In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed that the Pentagon did not promptly inform President Joe Biden and top officials about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization, raising concerns and drawing criticism for a lack of transparency. The delay in disclosing this information has sparked questions about the administration’s handling of the situation.
Delayed Notification Raises Eyebrows
According to three U.S. officials, President Biden and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan were not made aware of Austin’s hospitalization until three days after the event. The lack of communication within the administration has triggered discontent, especially given the sensitive nature of Austin’s role.
Surprise and Frustration at the White House
Upon learning of Austin’s hospitalization, White House staff expressed shock, as they were unaware of the complications arising from an elective medical procedure. National Security Council staffers were particularly surprised by the delayed notification, emphasizing the importance of timely communication between the Pentagon and the White House.
Public Outcry and Demands for Explanation
The news of Austin’s situation was not made public until Friday evening, leading to frustration among members of the press, Pentagon officials, and congressional leaders. Senators, including Tom Cotton and Roger Wicker, have demanded an explanation for why the White House was kept in the dark about Austin’s hospitalization for several days.
Austin’s Statement and Acknowledgment of Shortcomings
Defense Secretary Austin, in response to the growing controversy, issued a statement acknowledging the need for better communication. He mentioned, “I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better.” Despite the acknowledgment, questions linger about the protocol for disclosing such information.
Concerns Amid Ongoing Military Challenges
Austin’s hospitalization comes at a challenging time for the military, with U.S. forces facing near-daily attacks from Iran-backed proxies in the Middle East. The delay in revealing Austin’s health status adds an additional layer of complexity to an already tumultuous situation.
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