US defense chief still working remotely from hospital — RT World News
The Pentagon does not have an “exact date” when Lloyd Austin will be released from the hospital after mysterious surgical complications
Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder admitted that the US Secretary of Defense is still in the hospital about a week after his secret. “Elective medical procedure” He got sidetracked, but insisted that it was Lloyd Austin “He is recovering well” He continues to perform his duties.
Austin was admitted to Walter Reed Medical Center last Monday, but the Department of Defense only revealed that to the public on Friday, when he allegedly resumed his full responsibilities.
“Since resuming his duties on Friday evening, the Secretary has received operational updates and provided necessary guidance to his team. He has full access to the required secure communications capabilities and continues to monitor the daily operations of the Department of Defense around the world. Ryder He said In a brief update Sunday night.
It was not only the public who was unaware of Austin's hospitalization, but also President Biden and his administration, according to several officials interviewed by US media. Ryder stressed that Austin “wire” For Biden on Saturday and “The call has been made as well.” With his deputy, Kathleen Hicks, but he did not clarify when exactly the White House was informed that the US Secretary of Defense was off duty.
The Pentagon claimed that Hicks over the past week “I did some routine work.” On behalf of Austin it was entirely “Ready to act and exercise the powers of secretary, if necessary.”
However, Hicks herself was on vacation in Puerto Rico at the time, and was reportedly not informed of the severity of Austin's condition until Thursday afternoon. I claimed Established Her leave was not cut short after being told that Austin was preparing to resume operational responsibilities.
The Pentagon did not provide any details about his medical condition, but an NBC News report claimed that Austin spent four days in intensive care. “Although we do not have a specific release date at this time, we will continue to provide updates…as they become available.” Ryder said Sunday.
Amid a public outcry over the secrecy and concerns that a breach in the chain of command could jeopardize US national security, Austin issued a statement on Saturday, admitting that “We could have done a better job ensuring the public was properly informed.” However, he insisted that this was his personal medical action “I take full responsibility for my decisions regarding disclosure.”
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