Jan 7, 2024 at 11:27 AM Update: an hour ago
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has apologized because his ministry had not announced sooner that he was in hospital. US President Joe Biden also only knew that Austin had been recorded after a few days.
The minister was admitted on Monday for an unnecessary procedure. He then had to stay in hospital until Saturday because complications had occurred. According to American media, he was in intensive care.
The Department of Defense did not announce that Austin had been admitted until after the end of the business day on Friday. “I recognize that I could have done a better job of ensuring the public is informed,” Austin wrote in a brief statement. “I promise to get better.”
As Secretary of Defense, the seventy-year-old Austin holds a key position in the command structure of the American armed forces. After President Biden, who is commander in chief, he is the second man in the hierarchy. He is the link between the military top and the president.
That role could be transferred to a deputy minister, but it is unclear whether that has happened. News site Politico reported on Saturday that Biden himself only learned on Thursday that his minister was in the hospital. The White House does not deny that.
In his statement, Austin does not say what he was treated for. It is also not known what complications occurred. The lack of openness has led to a storm of outrage in Washington. Republican Senator Tom Cotton, among others, is demanding clarification from Austin.
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2024-01-07 10:27:15
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