US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin caused a stir in Washington with a secret hospital shutdown on New Year’s Day. The 70-year-old’s office did not inform the public until days later, even though the Pentagon chief was in intensive care. Particularly explosive: apparently President Joe Biden also knew nothing about the absence of his member of government.
Only on Friday did the Pentagon announce that the former general had been in intensive care for days due to complications following a medical procedure. Several US media reported, citing government sources, that Austin’s deputy Kathleen Hicks (see tweet below) represented the minister during this period.
The 70-year-old now states in a written statement that he is on the road to recovery. He also expressed understanding for the excitement surrounding his hospital stay, stressing: “I recognize that I could have done my job better by adequately informing the public.” He also promised more transparency for the future.
Type of procedure unknown
According to his spokesman, Austin resumed work on Friday, although he was still in the hospital on Saturday. It was not further explained what type of procedure the 70-year-old had. A Pentagon spokesperson explained the reasons for the secrecy to the US press in these words: “It was a rapidly evolving situation and therefore we had to take into account a variety of aspects.”
But this argument is not of much use to many Republican representatives and the American media. Such information policies are “unacceptable,” the report said, citing the fact that Austin is number two in the armed forces command structure – behind President Biden.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, speaking to CNN, emphasized the “right of the people” to be informed about the secretary of state’s health — especially at a time when “our allies in Eastern Europe and Israel are at war.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
