Joe Biden mocked for backing Lloyd Austin despite defense chief keeping hospitalization secret from WH

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden addressed concerns about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent hospitalization during a visit to a coffee shop in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Friday, January 12.

The President, speaking to reporters, expressed confidence in Austin despite a delayed notification to the White House regarding the Defense Secretary's health.

President Joe Biden's vote of confidence

"Do you have confidence in Secretary Austin?" a journalist asked the president.

"I do," Biden said.

"Was it a lapse in judgment for him not to tell you earlier?" the journalist asked in a follow-up question.

"Yes," Biden responded.

This comes after White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre's previous statements during news conferences, affirming the White House's "complete confidence" in Austin. Friday marked the first time President Biden himself publicly addressed the matter.

Secretary Austin underwent surgery for prostate cancer and was subsequently hospitalized on January 1, later transferred to the intensive care unit. However, the White House only learned about the situation on January 4, prompting scrutiny and criticism.

In a statement released on January 6, Austin addressed the controversy, stating that he understands "the media concerns about transparency and I recognize 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," he added. Despite his commitment, he did not offer an apology for the delayed notification, which is generally expected within 24 hours for senior officials.

The situation took an unusual turn when it was revealed that on the day of his hospitalization, Austin participated in a call with President Biden and other national security officials to discuss sensitive matters in the Red Sea. The White House was reportedly unaware of Austin's condition during this call.

Social media backlash

Criticism against President Biden erupted on social media, with some questioning his decision to express confidence in Austin.

"Who told him to say that?" one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Another user wrote, "Because Biden is clueless about everything. Why would a lack of control and leadership in the Nation’s defense bother him?"

"Confidence in what? Not telling his boss what’s going on? He needs [to be] fired!" someone else added.

"We don't have confidence in Biden," a comment read.

"Well, we all know it doesn’t take much to get Joe’s attention! He doesn’t even know what he’s doing!" another quipped. 

 

 

 

 

The White House previously acknowledged the problem.

"It’s true, we didn’t know he was hospitalized, and I’ve said repeatedly that that’s a problem," John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, said during a press briefing earlier this week.

"That should not happen again — that if a Cabinet official becomes hospitalized or has to be seen for medical, certainly to the degree where the authority has to be delegated, that the White House needs to know," he added.

Deputy Defense Secretary takes charge

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks assumed Austin's duties on January 2, before the White House was informed of his hospitalization. Austin has since resumed his duties, remaining hospitalized, but reportedly in good condition, NBC News reported.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated on Friday that Austin continues to remain "in contact with his senior staff and has full access to required secure communications capabilities and continues to monitor DOD’s day-to-day operations worldwide." However, there is no information on when Austin will be released from the hospital.

President Biden had a phone call with Austin on January 6, described as a "warm conversation" by a senior administration official. "The President wished him the best in his recovery and said he looks forward to seeing the Secretary back at the Pentagon soon," the official said.

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