6-1-2024 (WASHINGTON) Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on New Year’s Day due to complications arising from an elective medical procedure, the Pentagon disclosed on Friday.
The announcement, made four days after Austin’s initial admission, lacked details regarding the nature of the procedure or the complications that ensued. Major Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, did not mention Austin’s hospitalization during a news briefing on Thursday.
While the statement assured that Austin is “recovering well,” it provided no information on whether he was unconscious at any point or in critical condition. Ryder informed CNN that as of Friday afternoon, Austin remained in the hospital, but he is expected to resume his full duties later in the day. The release date remains uncertain.
The Pentagon’s decision to delay public notification for four days raised questions. Ryder explained, “This has been an evolving situation in which we had to consider a number of other factors,” including medical and privacy issues.
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks is ready to assume Austin’s responsibilities if necessary, according to the statement.
Austin’s hospitalization comes at a critical time, with the US grappling with various overseas national security challenges, including attacks on US troops in the Middle East, naval encounters intercepting Houthi launches from Yemen, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
During Austin’s hospitalization, the US conducted a strike in Baghdad against the commander of a pro-Iran militia. Ryder clarified that Austin had authorized the strike before being hospitalized.
The failure to promptly announce Austin’s hospitalization deviates from past practices. The Pentagon Press Association expressed “outrage” in a letter to Ryder and Chris Meagher, the defense secretary’s assistant for public affairs. The association requested a meeting to discuss the situation, emphasizing the public’s right to be informed about the hospitalization of Cabinet members.
Notably, when President Joe Biden underwent a routine colonoscopy in 2021, the White House announced the transfer of power to Vice President Kamala Harris in advance. Similarly, when Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith faced a medical emergency in late October, the Marine Corps promptly notified the public and provided updates on his recovery progress.
Smith is set to undergo surgery in the coming weeks but plans to resume his duties after a period of rehabilitation.
