Today, at the Pentagon, a 30-day review of Defense Secretary Austin's January hospitalization was released just before a scheduled briefing. The review revealed that Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks assumed authority from Secretary Austin on January 2nd, following his transfer to the intensive care unit. Secretary Austin had been taken to Walter Reed on January 1st.
One notable aspect of the situation was that Hicks was not informed to return to D.C. from her vacation, nor was she made aware of Secretary Austin's hospitalization until January 4th. This chain of events raises questions about the communication and decision-making processes within the Pentagon during Secretary Austin's hospitalization.
Secretary Austin is expected to testify on Capitol Hill on Thursday, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his hospitalization and the subsequent transfer of authority to Deputy Secretary Hicks. The Pentagon briefing provided insight into the timeline of events and the actions taken during Secretary Austin's medical emergency.
As the Pentagon continues to navigate this situation, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability within the Department of Defense. The handling of Secretary Austin's hospitalization and the transfer of authority to Deputy Secretary Hicks will likely prompt further scrutiny and discussions within the defense community.
