A top House Democrat on Sunday criticized Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who waited several days before disclosing to the White House and to the public that he underwent an incapacitating elective medical procedure.
Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, the fourth-ranking Democrat, said Mr. Austin has “a duty to keep the public informed.” But he proceeded to opine that perhaps the Pentagon chief was not at fault for the lack of transparency.
“I don’t know whether it was him or somebody inside of the military establishment that decided to do it this way,” Mr. Austin said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “But I’m sure he will do a little better going forward, as he said he would.”
Mr. Austin said in a statement that he takes “full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure” and vowed future transparency.
It was revealed Friday that Mr. Austin was hospitalized last week for an undisclosed procedure and spent time in the intensive care unit. He was reportedly unable to perform his duties and temporarily transferred power to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, who was on vacation in Puerto Rico and also unaware of the reason.
Mr. Austin underwent the procedure Monday and failed to notify the White House, including the National Security Council or President Biden, until Thursday.
The absence came amid several international conflicts with which the U.S. is involved, including wars being fought by allies Israel and Ukraine.
“I also understand the media concerns about transparency, and I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed,” Mr. Austin said in a statement Saturday. “I commit to doing better.”
Republicans have blasted Mr. Austin, accusing him of jeopardizing national security amid heightened Middle East tensions and as the U.S. is involved in several international conflicts, including wars being fought by allies Israel and Ukraine.
Rep. Mike Waltz, Florida Republican and a former Army Green Beret, called it “inexcusable and dangerous” in a series of posts on social media that raised questions about chain of command for Mr. Biden to be unaware of a Cabinet member’s absence.
“I don’t know whether it’s more concerning that the chain of command literally didn’t exist for multiple days or the White House apparently communicates so little with the pentagon that nobody noticed the Defense Secretary missing at a time of two major wars!” Mr. Waltz posted.
• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.
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