US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who had been secretly hospitalized since January 1, left intensive care on Monday. According to the American newspaper The Washington Post At the same time, he is increasingly criticized for keeping quiet about his hospitalization and precarious health situation. For three days, almost no one knew why he was absent: not even President Joe Biden and his temporary replacement Kathleen Hicks. He is currently said to be in “good condition” and working again.
Democrats and Republicans in Congress demanded accountability. Why was no one aware of Austin’s health situation at a time of major international security issues? According to The New York Times four of his employees were aware of the hospitalization, but decided not to inform the rest of the cabinet. Both the White House and the Pentagon announced on Monday that they would be investigating Austin’s actions.
Austin, 70, went to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on December 22 for an “elective procedure.” He was discharged from hospital the next day, but later developed severe pain. On January 1, he was rushed back to the hospital in an ambulance. On January 2, Austin handed over his duties to his temporary replacement, without telling her why. The White House only learned on January 4 that the minister was in the hospital. Austin would resume his duties on January 5, the Pentagon saidalthough he was in intensive care until the eighth.