In a recent statement on Friday, President Joe Biden expressed disappointment, stating that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had “lapsed in judgment” by not keeping him informed about ongoing treatment for prostate cancer, according to The Hill. Responding to questions from reporters, Biden acknowledged it as a lapse but asserted his continued confidence in Austin.
President Biden, addressing the controversy surrounding Austin for the first time, affirmed his trust in the Defense Secretary. When asked directly if he still trusted Austin, Biden replied with a resounding “I do.” The acknowledgment comes amidst revelations that Austin underwent surgery on December 22 for prostate cancer, with subsequent complications leading to another hospitalization on January 1. Notably, Biden was only made aware of the situation on January 4, sparking criticism and discussions about protocol breaches.
The Hill reported that the President learned about Austin’s prostate cancer diagnosis on the same day it was publicly disclosed, marking what some consider an extraordinary breach of protocol. Despite the delay in information, the White House emphasized that Biden is not considering firing Austin, even in the face of mounting criticism, including calls for Austin’s resignation from some Republicans.
Acknowledging his failure to notify Biden promptly about his hospitalization, Austin expressed regret. In response, the White House announced on Tuesday that it would conduct a review of protocols regarding how Cabinet officials delegate authority. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients issued a memo requiring agencies to notify the Office of Cabinet Affairs and the White House chief of staff when delegating duties, especially during travel to areas with limited communication, hospitalization, or medical procedures requiring anesthesia.
The development underscores the importance of clear communication protocols within the administration, prompting a reassessment of existing procedures to avoid such lapses in the future.
Comments