Lloyd Austin says he took responsibility for hiding his hospitalization

Mr Austin, 70, was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on New Year's Day due to "complications following a recent elective medical procedure", which was kept secret by the US Department of Defense for five days.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on November 13, 2023. Photo: Reuters

It is unclear how widely this information has been shared within President Joe Biden's administration, but an unnamed US official said Mr. Biden was only informed on Thursday evening.

Still, Mr. Biden maintains confidence in Mr. Austin, and the two spoke on Saturday night. Austin’s position requires him to be available immediately to respond to any kind of national security crisis.

It remains unclear to what extent his duties have been delegated to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks, or whether Austin will be involved in any major decisions during his absence.

“I recognize that I could have done a better job of ensuring the public was properly informed. I am committed to doing better. But it is important to say this: This was my medical procedure and I take full responsibility for my decision to disclose it,” Mr. Austin said in a written statement.

A Pentagon spokesman said Saturday that Mr. Austin resumed his duties Friday evening but remained hospitalized.

The Pentagon Press Association, in a letter to Pentagon officials Friday night, criticized the US Department of Defense's secrecy, saying Austin is a public figure and has no right to demand medical privacy in such a situation.

It also notes that even US presidents have revealed when they have had to step down due to medical procedures.

“At a time when there are growing threats to US service members in the Middle East and the US is playing a critical national security role in wars in Israel and Ukraine, it is especially important that the American public be informed about the health status and decision-making abilities of our top defense leader,” the letter said.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bo-truong-quoc-phong-my-lloyd-austin-thua-nhan-giau-viec-nhap-vien-post280026.html