Pentagon Didn't Inform White House of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s Recent Hospitalization

The Pentagon and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin did not inform President Biden or his advisors of Austin’s three-day hospitalization, drawing widespread criticism.

The Details: Austin was hospitalized on January 1 for complications that arose from an elective medical procedure. The White House was not notified until January 4. The lack of transparency drew criticism from government officials and the Pentagon Press Association.

Key Quotes: Austin said, “I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better. But this is important to say: this was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure.” Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) expressed sympathy for Austin’s condition but said, “...the fact remains that the Department of Defense deliberately withheld the Secretary of Defense’s medical condition for days. That is unacceptable.” Arnold Punaro, a retired Marine Corps major general and former staff director of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said, “It is so out of character for (the) DOD and clearly was made after a deliberate discussion of how this information should be handled.”

How The Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum highlighted the criticisms from all angles regarding Austin’s unannounced absence. Fox News (Right bias) framed its headline and lede through the discontent of GOP senators like Rep. Tom Cotton (R-AR). Fox and Politico (Lean Left bias) included context about the current geopolitical landscape, including US involvement in Ukraine and the Middle East.