In a surprising turn of events, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent hospitalization brought questions to light regarding the transparency within the Biden administration. It has come to light that Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, who assumed Austin's duties, was unaware of his hospitalization until two days after it occurred. These revelations have left many wondering about the level of communication and coordination within the administration.
The absence of Secretary Austin went unnoticed for a week, raising concerns about the administration's ability to effectively manage important matters. Republican Senator Rand Paul, who also happens to be a doctor, expressed his astonishment at the situation, suggesting that it reflects a lack of leadership and a disconnection between President Biden and his team. Paul emphasized the need for transparency, particularly when it comes to the health of high-ranking officials, stating that owning up to any potential complications is crucial.
Austin's age and potential health issues were also brought into the spotlight, raising further questions about his fitness for his role. With his absence, concerns were voiced about the decision-making process and whether it would be compromised in critical military encounters. The senator points out that being in charge of the military requires thorough knowledge of ongoing missions, making the Secretary of Defense's absence a matter of significant concern.
In the midst of these developments, the focus has shifted to the upcoming closed-door session of Senator Paul's committee with Dr. Anthony Fauci. The senator stated that his main concern is Fauci's denial of U.S. government funding for gain-of-function research in Wuhan, China. Recent reports from the Department of Energy, the FBI, and even a group of scientists at the CIA suggest that COVID-19 likely originated from a lab in Wuhan that received funding from American taxpayers. Paul firmly believes that Fauci has been dishonest about this matter and hopes to challenge him during the deposition.
Of equal concern is the apparent disregarding of safety protocols in approving such research. Paul revealed that a safety committee, which should have reviewed the dangerous research conducted in Wuhan, was bypassed with Fauci's approval. The senator has persistently sought transparency regarding the deliberations and decision-making process behind this controversial funding, warning that history will harshly judge such actions.
The deposition with Dr. Fauci aims to shed light on these concerns, and Senator Paul remains skeptical of Fauci's evasiveness. Highlighting Fauci's previous testimony during the Missouri v. Biden free speech case, where he professed a lack of recollection on multiple occasions, Paul views him as someone who avoids the truth. The senator hopes that the upcoming sessions will help uncover the truth behind the potential mishandling of the Wuhan research and further expose any inconsistencies.
As the saga unfolds, it is evident that the public's trust in both Secretary Austin's administration and Dr. Fauci's actions remains in question. These incidents serve as reminders of the need for transparency, sincerity, and accountability within the highest levels of government.
