The Pentagon inspector general's review of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's hospitalization in 2024 found that it 'increased unnecessarily' the risks to national security, despite no immediate adverse consequences.
The Pentagon inspector general's review of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's hospitalization in 2024 concluded that it 'increased unnecessarily' the risks to national security. While the review found no immediate adverse consequences to Defense Department operations, it highlighted a potential for negative effects on command and control of critical national security operations.
The report cited a delay in informing the White House about Austin's hospitalization, including a period when he was in the intensive care unit, as a contributing factor to the increased risk. Austin was hospitalized for two weeks due to complications from prostate cancer surgery. Despite assurances from a senior defense official that there was no break in command and control during Austin's hospitalization, the report found that neither Austin nor his deputy secretary of defense notified Congress or the White House Situation Room in a timely manner about the transfer of some of Austin's duties. The review further revealed that Austin did not consider transferring authorities while undergoing medical procedures on January 6 and 8 that required moderate sedation, and he did not inform his deputy secretary or chief of staff about these procedures. Austin stated that he prioritized remaining functional during his hospitalization, even during these procedures. The report also noted that Austin's intense privacy surrounding his medical condition influenced the course of events, including his reluctance to inform senior staff members about his appointments and condition.The inspector general's 20 recommendations include a need for the Defense Department to further define what constitutes 'medically incapacitated' and 'unable to perform the functions and duties.' The report also suggests expanding the scope of individuals required to report the hospitalization of secretaries of defense and senior Pentagon officials. Following his hospitalization, Austin apologized for not informing President Biden or the public about his medical condition and committed to improving transparency and processes within the department. The Pentagon has already implemented changes over the past year to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future
NATIONAL SECURITY PENTAGON DEFENSE DEPARTMENT LLOYD AUSTIN HOSPITALIZATION TRANSPARENCY COMMAND AND CONTROL
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