US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will not face termination despite the controversy surrounding his recent hospital stay, according to the White House. Austin, who is 70 years old, is still hospitalized as of Monday morning but has resumed his full duties, as confirmed by the Pentagon.
The news of Austin’s hospitalization only reached President Joe Biden three days after it occurred, sparking criticism over the lack of disclosure. Prominent Republicans have called for Austin’s dismissal, while senior Democrats have expressed concerns. In response to the situation, the White House has announced a review to determine if any changes should be made to processes or procedures.
On December 22, Austin underwent an elective medical procedure and was discharged the following day. However, on January 1, he experienced severe pain and was readmitted to the hospital. Initially placed in the intensive care unit (ICU), Austin has since been transferred out of the ICU as of Friday.
Austin has acknowledged that he could have been more transparent about his health issues and has committed to improving his communication in the future. The lack of proper notification regarding his hospitalization within the US military’s chain of command has been attributed to his chief of staff being absent due to the flu.
The pressure on Austin to disclose further details about his health problems is anticipated to intensify in the coming days. As of now, the White House maintains that he will not be fired despite the controversy surrounding the handling of his hospitalization. The ongoing review will shed light on any necessary adjustments to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
