The Pentagon is facing intense bipartisan scrutiny and calls for transparency after the botched handling and delayed disclosure of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s recent hospitalization.
Austin has been at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center since January 1 due to complications from an unspecified elective procedure he underwent on December 22. However, the public, senior officials, the White House and Congress were not informed until January 6 when the Pentagon finally released a brief statement on Austin’s hospitalization.
The secrecy and piecemeal release of information has led Austin’s chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, to order a 30-day review on January 9 into the events surrounding Austin’s hospitalization, the transfer of his authorities, and the lack of notification to key stakeholders.
Magsamen herself was reportedly home ill last week and unaware that Austin had been hospitalized and was in intensive care. The Pentagon cited her illness as one reason for the three-day delay in informing the White House of Austin’s serious condition.
However, several Pentagon officials, including top public affairs staff Chris Meagher and press secretary Pat Ryder, knew on January 2 that Austin was hospitalized yet failed to pass along the information or notify the proper authorities – a breach of protocol regarding incapacitated senior officials.
Ryder has since apologized for the lack of transparency and pledged to “learn from this experience.”
On January 2, Austin’s authorities were transferred to Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks while Austin remained hospitalized. However, Hicks herself was on vacation and not informed she was now acting Defense Secretary until two days later, according to Ryder.
Magsamen’s review aims to establish a definitive timeline of events from the time Austin was hospitalized on January 1 to the present. It will also work to ensure clarity, transparency and timely notification when authority transfers occur due to a senior leader’s incapacitation.
Proper notification should be given to the President, White House, Congress and public moving forward.
The controversy mirrors an incident with the Marine Corps late Monday. They publicly announced successful open heart surgery for Commandant General Eric Smith, offering specifics on Smith’s underlying condition, the procedure, his recovery and family status.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon continues to refuse details on Austin’s elective procedure, complications or current condition despite bipartisan calls for transparency from Congress.
The Republican chairman and ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee issued a joint statement calling for a full accounting from Austin regarding his health and the reasons for delaying notification.
With trust in government institutions declining, the Pentagon probe aims to uncover where communication broke down, hold officials accountable, and ensure timely notification occurs regarding senior leaders’ health incidents or incapacitation.
The controversy shows the importance of transparency to maintain public trust, especially regarding health incidents among figures with immense responsibilities like the Defense Secretary.
As the review unfolds, pressure mounts for Austin himself to disclose more health details. Full transparency could help mitigate escalating criticism and reassure the public that proper procedures will be followed going forward.
Most importantly, the probe and policy changes seek to avoid a repeat of the communication breakdown that occurred amidst Austin’s hospitalization. Trust depends on truth – especially in government.
