Following difficulties from a relatively minor operation, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin allegedly spent four days in the critical care unit while hospitalized earlier this week. According to reports provided to NBC News, the senior military official was unable to carry out his duties from New Year's Day until Friday. Deputy Secretary of military Kathleen Hicks assumed his responsibilities during this time. Reports indicate that Hicks was on pre-approved leave when this occurred. The Pentagon verified that Austin "resumed his full duties" later that day, but the defense secretary was in the hospital all day Saturday.
Friday afternoon was the first time the news of defense official Austin's hospitalization was publicized, days after he was hospitalized. The specific issues that Austin encountered are yet unknown, but Pentagon authorities have said that they were caused by a "elective medical procedure." It is unclear from the department's description what the operation included or the severity of Austin's ailments.
On Saturday, Austin issued a statement in which he thanked the medical professionals who treated him and acknowledged "media concerns about transparency. I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed," Austin said. I promise to improve. This was a medical operation I had, and I am fully accountable for the disclosure choices I made."
The explosion in Iran by ISIS and the airstrike in Baghdad approved by the Department of Defense earlier this week occurred at the same time, adding fuel to the fire of suspicion surrounding Austin's hospitalization. The attack was approved by both President Joe Biden and Austin, according to a DOD officer who spoke with the Washington Examiner.
"Secretary Austin did not have to affirmatively delegate his duties because by statute, the Deputy Secretary is automatically authorized to perform the duties of the Secretary if he is unable to perform them," according to the official. At every stage, we have sought the advice of medical experts.
According to reports, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder cited "an evolving situation in which we had to consider a number of factors" as the reason specifics on the situation have been scant. According to Ryder, Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks was always ready to step in and use the Secretary's authority if needed.
Friday afternoon was the first time the news of defense official Austin's hospitalization was publicized, days after he was hospitalized. The specific issues that Austin encountered are yet unknown, but Pentagon authorities have said that they were caused by a "elective medical procedure." It is unclear from the department's description what the operation included or the severity of Austin's ailments.
On Saturday, Austin issued a statement in which he thanked the medical professionals who treated him and acknowledged "media concerns about transparency. I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed," Austin said. I promise to improve. This was a medical operation I had, and I am fully accountable for the disclosure choices I made."
The explosion in Iran by ISIS and the airstrike in Baghdad approved by the Department of Defense earlier this week occurred at the same time, adding fuel to the fire of suspicion surrounding Austin's hospitalization. The attack was approved by both President Joe Biden and Austin, according to a DOD officer who spoke with the Washington Examiner.
"Secretary Austin did not have to affirmatively delegate his duties because by statute, the Deputy Secretary is automatically authorized to perform the duties of the Secretary if he is unable to perform them," according to the official. At every stage, we have sought the advice of medical experts.
According to reports, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder cited "an evolving situation in which we had to consider a number of factors" as the reason specifics on the situation have been scant. According to Ryder, Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks was always ready to step in and use the Secretary's authority if needed.
