New Delhi: The White House was not informed for days that US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalised, according to two US officials, The New York Times reported. Senior defence officials said that Austin did not inform them until Thursday that he was admitted to the intensive care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.
According to reports, Austin has accepted responsibility for the lack of communication. "I recognise I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better,” Austin said in a statement, reported BBC.
After a minor elective medical surgery, Austin, 70, remained hospitalised due to complications, according to his press secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
"The White House and the Joint Chiefs of Staff were notified about Austin’s hospitalisation, but they would not say when that happened," Ryder said.
"Congressmen received the news late on Friday afternoon. According to other officials and lawmakers, they received the news after 5 p.m. Although it was unclear when Austin's senior leadership team members were informed, news about Austin's hospital stay spread in the Pentagon when the department issued a statement after 5 p.m. Many thought Austin was away for a week vacation," he added.
"Many of the senior service leaders were unaware until Friday that Austin was in the hospital, President Joe Biden and other senior White House staff were told,", US defence officials said.
According to reports, the US Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks was also away when Austin was hospitalised.
“This was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decision about disclosure,” Austin further said.
Austin is thought to be still hospitalised but a defence department spokesperson, quoted by AFP news agency, said he resumed his full duties on Friday.
However, it is not yet clear how many of the responsibilities he has been able to carry out due to his illness.