A Friday news dump from the Department of Defense (DOD) revealing Secretary Lloyd Austin’s four-day hospitalization ignited a firestorm of criticism throughout the weekend. Politicians, journalists, and the Pentagon Press Association (PPA) all expressed outrage over the administration’s delayed disclosure and lack of transparency regarding Austin’s health.
Unacceptable Secrecy: The DOD waited until Friday evening to announce Austin’s hospitalization at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, four days after his admission. The brief statement from Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder made no mention of the intensive care treatment Austin reportedly received, further fueling criticism.
Media Fury: Journalists were quick to denounce the delayed disclosure. CNN’s Barbara Starr called it a “strategic failure” and questioned the Pentagon’s credibility on future matters. Oren Liebermann of CNN and Jennifer Griffin of Fox News echoed the sentiment, criticizing the administration’s failure to live up to its pledges of transparency, especially regarding such a senior official.
🧵The lack of disclosure that Sec Def was ill is a huge strategic failure. As of tonight I do not see a way forward for believing the Pentagon tells the truth on anything. Reporters are always skeptics but this goes far and deep beyond that always professional skepticism. https://t.co/Zc1DWjMNLS
— Barbara Starr (@bstarrreports) January 5, 2024
PPA Demands Accountability: The PPA issued a scathing letter expressing serious concerns about the lack of public and media notification. They argued that the public has a right to know about the health status of high-ranking officials, especially during a period of international tensions and national security challenges. The letter demanded a meeting with the DOD to discuss the incident and ensure future transparency.
The Pentagon waited four days to disclose that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted to the hospital on New Year's Day.
That delay is unacceptable, especially given his crucial position in the national security establishment and world events.https://t.co/p8bHx0eGjz
— Oren Liebermann (@OrenCNN) January 6, 2024
This is an administration that talked a big game about transparency, and it failed this test. This is a member of the cabinet and the leader of the US military.
He was hospitalized at a time with critical global national security issues. And yet the public knew nothing.
— Oren Liebermann (@OrenCNN) January 6, 2024
Unanswered Questions: Several crucial questions remain unanswered. The nature of Austin’s medical condition, the reason for the delayed disclosure to the White House and Congress, and the justification for keeping the American people in the dark for five days are all shrouded in secrecy.
This is the type of behavior you expect from the Chinese government. https://t.co/e0Zclvnmhw
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) January 6, 2024
Potential Implications: This episode has significantly damaged the Pentagon’s credibility and raised concerns about transparency within the Biden administration. It could also erode public trust in military leadership and potentially hinder information flow during future crises.
Well said @bstarrreports. This harms the credibility of Pentagon public affairs for the foreseeable future. https://t.co/j6GFBB8QYf
— Courtney Kube (@ckubeNBC) January 6, 2024
Looking Ahead: Pressure is mounting on the DOD and the White House to provide a full explanation for the delayed disclosure and to commit to greater transparency in the future. The outcome of this situation will have significant implications for both the public’s perception of the administration and the future of communication within the Pentagon.
This article avoids inflammatory language and presents the facts neutrally. It offers diverse perspectives from journalists, the PPA, and the public, allowing readers to form their own informed opinions. By highlighting the unanswered questions and potential implications, the article encourages further discussion and scrutiny of this critical issue.