WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, former commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division, has taken significant flak for failing to warn anyone, including the president, that he was incapacitated in a hospital and unable to fulfill his duties.
Last week, the Department of Defense announced that Austin had been admitted to Walter Reed Medical Center on the evening of New Year’s Day. After complications arose during an elective surgery, Austin was put in the intensive care unit.
‘I COMMIT TO DOING BETTER’
During that time he was unable to fulfill the duties of his office, which fell for a period of days to his deputy.
Since the announcement was made, media reports have indicated that Austin failed to notify anyone that he was out of commission, including the deputy who eventually took over the responsibilities of the defense secretary, the president or any members of Congress. Some congressional leaders did not know he was unavailable until 30 minutes before the press release announcing the news was sent to the public.
In a press release sent on Saturday, Austin acknowledged the lapse and took full responsibility for it.
“I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed,” he said. “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.”
‘MUST BE FULL ACCOUNTABILITY’
Some, including Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, who has represented Fort Drum and its surrounding communities in Congress for about a decade, say Austin’s punishment should be the loss of his job.
“There must be full accountability beginning with the immediate resignation of Secretary Austin and those that lied for him and a Congressional investigation into this dangerous dereliction of duty,” Stefanik said in a press release sent Monday.
It’s not apparent that any individuals specifically lied about Austin or his health status, rather that they failed to communicate important information about his medical status up the chain of command.
‘CONCERNING LACK OF TRANSPARENCY’
Stefanik pointed to how key a role Austin plays in American defense, and how important it is that the secretary of defense be available and ready to work at a moment’s notice. The U.S., while not in a formal war anywhere in the world, continues operations in the Middle East as tensions between Arab countries and Israel ratchet up in light of the war with Hamas in Gaza. Just this weekend, tensions between Lebanese militants and Israel have tightened and many worry the war may expand to include that country directly.
American involvement continues with Ukraine, with the Department of Defense providing key support to the Ukrainian government as it tries to combat a Russian incursion that has lasted with nearly two years of consistent conflict.
“At this dangerous time when American service members are under attack in Iraq and Syria, our closest partner and ally Israel is at war with Hamas terrorists, and the threat from communist China is on the rise, it is critical that the Secretary of Defense has the full trust of the American people, Congress, and the White House,” Stefanik said. “This concerning lack of transparency exemplifies a shocking lack of judgment and a significant national security threat.”
On Sunday, the Pentagon press secretary announced that Austin had resumed his duties on Friday night, and had spoken with President Joseph R. Biden on Saturday. Austin remains in care at Walter Reed Medical Center as of Monday afternoon, and defense department officials said they would provide updates on his status as they are able.