White House Dismisses Demands for US Defense Secretary’s Resignation | Politics News
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President Joe Biden will not dismiss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for failing to immediately disclose his hospitalization, according to the White House, despite criticism from Republican members. Austin, who remains hospitalized since New Year’s Day, has been criticized for lack of transparency during a conflict in the Gaza Strip. The specific health issue Austin is being treated for has not been disclosed.
Lloyd Austin Under Fire for Concealing Hospitalisation from President and Public
Despite demands from Republicans for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s dismissal, the White House affirms that President Joe Biden has no intentions of firing him. This controversy arose owing to Austin’s non-disclosure of his hospitalization for several days, which critics argue is a failure of transparency.
As the Secretary of Defense, 70-year-old Austin holds a significant position in the US military command chain just beneath Biden. He got admitted to the hospital on New Year’s Day and continues to stay there.
John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, assured that Austin’s leadership remains critical and is here to stay. He added that necessary assessments would be conducted to determine if any procedural modifications are required to avoid such instances in the future.
Austin’s silence regarding his hospitalization amidst Gaza Strip conflict and potential Middle East tensions, has been widely criticized. Former President Donald Trump, a potential Biden rival in the upcoming presidential elections, has called Austin’s conduct unprofessional and demanded his termination.
Republican Congressperson, Elise Stefanik, also echoed the demand for Austin’s resignation and called for a Congressional investigation into this perceived dereliction of duty.
However, the White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, reassured that President Biden completely trusts Austin’s capabilities. Kirby further emphasized Austin’s duties are not compromised; he continues them from the hospital.
Most of Austin’s close officials, including his deputy and the National Security Council, remained uninformed about his health condition until Thursday afternoon. However, the nature of Austin’s health issue remains undisclosed by the US government.
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