Concerns about top-level communication remain after US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III‘s hidden illness. After Austin’s stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks took over on January 2, 2024, unaware of his condition. Many days later, the White House was aware of this lack of transparency. Defense … Read more
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin finally spoke out about his unannounced multi-day stay, thanking Walter Reed Medical Center workers. Austin acknowledged difficulties after surgery that required a five-day hospital stay, citing transparency concerns. He acknowledged the media’s concerns and promised to increase public communication. Defense Secretary Acknowledges Transparency Concerns Amidst Undisclosed Hospitalization Austin’s illness remained … Read more
The Pentagon stated Friday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is recovering after being taken to Walter Reed Medical Center on New Year’s Day owing to complications from an elective medical procedure. While the brief statement did not specify the treatment or difficulties, it did say Austin is “recovering well.” Austin’s Recovery: Pentagon Updates on Defense … Read more