Secretary Austin’s secret hospitalizations ‘unnecessarily’ increased US national security risks, report finds
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s secret hospitalizations have come under scrutiny in a new report from the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG), which suggests that these undisclosed medical issues unnecessarily increased America’s national security risk. The 188-page review delves into the hospitalizations that took place in December 2023, January 2024, and February 2024 and places the blame on Austin’s team for communication lapses and failures to transfer authority.
The OIG report highlights Austin’s strong desire for privacy about his medical condition as a key factor in the breakdown of communications within the Pentagon, as well as between the Defense Department, the White House, and Congress. It was revealed that neither Austin’s chief of staff nor Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks were aware of his cancer diagnosis or the procedure he underwent in December 2023. In fact, almost all of his staff were kept in the dark about Austin’s medical condition and treatments.
According to the report, on Jan. 1, 2024, when Austin was experiencing severe pain and was taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he requested that the ambulance not use lights or sirens. Additionally, he instructed his personal security officer not to notify anyone about the incident. This lack of transparency extended to his worsening condition, as his staff remained unaware when he was transferred to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit on January 2.
On Jan. 3, 2024, Austin’s chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, expressed her concerns about the secrecy surrounding his hospitalization, urging him to be more forthcoming about his condition. The report also revealed that on Feb. 11, 2024, when Austin was unexpectedly hospitalized once again, his authorities were not transferred promptly, despite the seriousness of his condition.
In response to the OIG’s findings, the Department of Defense was given 20 recommendations to improve processes and urged to act on them swiftly. Inspector General Robert Storch emphasized the importance of these improvements for the DoD’s readiness, transparency, and mission fulfillment, stating that they are essential for operational and national security.
Following the report’s release, a senior defense official admitted that Austin had made a mistake but emphasized that there was no scandal or cover-up. The official reassured reporters that either the Secretary of Defense or the Deputy Secretary of Defense was always prepared to support the president during Austin’s absences.
In a press conference in February 2024, Austin took full responsibility for the mishandling of his hospitalizations, acknowledging that he should have been more transparent about his medical condition. He apologized to his team and the American people for not disclosing his cancer diagnosis and subsequent hospitalizations.
As the Department of Defense works to address the shortcomings highlighted in the OIG report, it is clear that transparency and effective communication are crucial for maintaining national security and ensuring the smooth operation of the Defense Department.
