WASHINGTON: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has taken “full responsibility” for the lack of transparency surrounding his ongoing hospitalization, addressing concerns about the delayed disclosure of his medical condition.
Admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on New Year’s Day due to “complications following a recent elective medical procedure,” Austin’s hospitalization was not publicly disclosed for five days, prompting criticism and calls for transparency.
The Pentagon’s decision to withhold information about the Defence Secretary’s health raised questions about adherence to legal requirements, with Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, accusing the Pentagon of failing to promptly inform Congress, as mandated by law.
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While the extent of information sharing within the Biden administration remains unclear, President Joe Biden was reportedly informed on Thursday evening. Austin, a key figure in the U.S. military hierarchy, holds a crucial role in responding to national security crises, making the delayed disclosure a matter of public concern.
Amid growing threats globally and the US military’s involvement in significant national security matters, there are heightened calls for transparent communication regarding the health and decision-making ability of top defence leaders. The lack of timely disclosure by the Pentagon has fueled criticism from various quarters, with concerns raised about the public’s right to be informed about the health status of senior government officials.
Despite Austin’s resumption of full duties on Friday evening, questions linger about the nature of his medical condition and the duration of his hospitalization, emphasizing the need for transparent communication regarding the health of top government officials.
