Secrecy Surrounding Defense Secretary's Hospitalization Leaves Biden Administration EMBARRASSED

Written By BlabberBuzz | Tuesday, 09 January 2024 10:15 PM
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Secrecy Surrounding Defense Secretary's Hospitalization Leaves Biden Administration EMBARRASSED

The Biden administration has found itself in an uncomfortable position following the hospitalization of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a development that remained under wraps for several days.

Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications from an undisclosed surgical procedure. Astonishingly, President Joe Biden was kept in the dark about Austin's absence for several days. According to Politico, 10 current and former US officials have described the situation as an "embarrassment" for the administration.

Despite the controversy, the administration has expressed unwavering support for Austin. When asked about the public's confidence in Austin and potential concerns about transparency, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded, "The President ... continues to have confidence in Secretary Austin and as the admiral just stated ... we want to see him back at the Pentagon."

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Austin himself addressed the issue, stating, "[I] understand the media concerns about transparency and I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better. But this is important to say: this was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure."

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The specifics of Austin's medical procedure remain undisclosed. When questioned about whether President Biden was aware of the details of Austin's surgery, John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, admitted, "I don't know the level of the president's personal knowledge of his medical situation."

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Kirby also confirmed that there are "no plans" to replace Austin or alter his leadership role in the military. However, sources have suggested that the situation has increased pressure within the administration.

An anonymous Department of Defense source told Politico that "[s]omeone’s head has to roll," while a former DOD senior official speculated, "Someone made the decision not to disclose. That person will likely be gone shortly.”

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