U.S. Representative Andrew Clyde (R-GA) has recently demanded the resignation of Defense Secretary Austin, citing a national security risk following Austin’s diagnosis and surgical treatment for prostate cancer, which led to his undisclosed hospitalization. This situation prompted several members of the House GOP to call for a review of administration protocols concerning delegation of authority.
Clyde voiced his concerns stating, “Secretary Austin’s severe lapse in judgment dangerously jeopardized our national security”. He further added, “The American people deserve transparency and accountability—starting with Austin’s resignation.”
Fox News reported that Austin underwent a prostatectomy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to treat prostate cancer. However, complications arose post-surgery, leading to his readmission due to a urinary tract infection and severe pain. His hospitalization was not disclosed to the White House. Despite the positive prognosis for his early-detected cancer, the lack of communication initiated a Cabinet-wide protocol review within the White House. It was also reported that Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks was uninformed about Austin’s procedure until recently.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder addressed questions on Defense Secretary Austin’s undisclosed hospital visit in an interaction with Fox News. Ryder emphasized the importance of public trust to the Department of Defense (DoD). On being questioned about Austin’s hesitation to announce his medical condition, Ryder referred to the deeply personal nature of prostate cancer and its procedures. In response to queries about Austin’s security team not being notified, Ryder acknowledged it as a valid concern.
In a post by U.S. Representative Mary Miller (R-IL), she criticized Secretary Austin saying: “Secretary Austin forced our troops to get an experimental COVID shot and discharged them for not producing their vax paperwork, but he disappeared for days without telling anyone citing medical privacy? That is not leadership by example, that is dereliction and he should resign.”
In a press release by the U.S. Department of Defense, Austin acknowledged the concerns saying: “I also understand the media concerns about transparency and I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better. But this is important to say: this was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure.”
