Biden to Keep Defense Secretary Despite Secret Hospitalization: Report
President Biden Stands by Secretary of Defense Austin Amid Hospitalization Controversy
President Joe Biden has made it clear that he will not fire Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, nor accept his resignation, despite Austin’s failure to promptly inform the president of his hospitalization, according to Politico.
Multiple officials within the administration have confirmed that Biden has no intention of dismissing Austin. In fact, if the secretary were to offer his resignation, the president would refuse to accept it, as reported by Politico.
This news comes in response to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby’s statement that Biden has no plans to replace Austin, stating that the president wants him to continue in his role.
Last Friday, the Pentagon revealed that Austin had been admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on January 1st due to complications from a medical procedure. Austin himself acknowledged his hospitalization in a statement the following day, expressing regret for not keeping the public properly informed.
Reports over the weekend revealed that both National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and President Biden were unaware of Austin’s condition until three days after he was hospitalized. The Pentagon released a statement on Sunday, confirming that Austin remains at Walter Reed and that there is no set timeline for his release.
The exact reason for Austin’s hospitalization is still unclear. The Pentagon’s statement on Friday mentioned “complications following a recent elective medical procedure.” Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon’s press secretary, told ABC News that Austin underwent the procedure on December 22nd, returning home the next day but going back to the hospital on New Year’s Day due to “severe pain,” which led to his placement in the intensive care unit.
“For privacy reasons, we’re not able to provide additional information,” Ryder stated.
This controversy surrounding Austin arises amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Israel’s conflict with Hamas. Additionally, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have been launching attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, while Iranian proxies in Iraq and Syria have targeted American military personnel on numerous occasions since the start of the war.
What factors may have influenced President Biden’s decision to support Defense Secretary Austin, considering his extensive experience and achievements in the role
Remained in the hospital until January 4th and was subsequently released. However, the controversy surrounding his hospitalization stems from the fact that President Biden was not informed about it until January 7th, three days after Austin was released.
The delayed communication has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the administration. Critics argue that Austin’s failure to promptly inform the president of his hospitalization reflects a lack of trust and open communication between the defense secretary and the commander-in-chief.
Despite these concerns, President Biden has chosen to stand by Austin and maintain his position in the Cabinet. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki affirmed this decision, stating that the president has “full confidence” in Austin’s ability to lead the Department of Defense.
Psaki emphasized that Austin’s hospitalization was a routine medical procedure and that there was no cause for alarm. She also reiterated that the president was not at risk during Austin’s hospital stay.
The president’s decision to support Austin may stem from the secretary’s extensive experience and qualifications. Austin, a retired four-star Army general, served as the commander of U.S. Central Command under President Barack Obama. His nomination as Secretary of Defense received widespread bipartisan support, and he was confirmed by the Senate with a strong majority.
Furthermore, Austin’s tenure as defense secretary has been marked by several significant achievements. He played a crucial role in the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the successful evacuation of American citizens and allies from Kabul. Austin has also prioritized addressing the ongoing threats posed by China and Russia, emphasizing the need for a robust and strategic defense posture.
In light of these accomplishments, President Biden’s decision to stand by Austin can be seen as a testament to his confidence in the secretary’s leadership and capabilities. It also underscores the president’s commitment to uniting his administration and fostering a sense of stability and continuity within the Department of Defense.
While the controversy surrounding Austin’s hospitalization raises legitimate concerns about communication and transparency, it is clear that President Biden has chosen to prioritize the secretary’s experience and accomplishments. By standing by Austin, the president sends a message of trust and support, while also signaling his determination to tackle the pressing national security challenges facing the United States.
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