Biden: Austin Should Have Disclosed Hospitalization

CNN reports:

President Joe Biden on Friday said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had a lapse in judgement by not notifying him of his hospitalization, but White House officials made a point in emphasizing Austin remains heavily involved in military decision making.

Touring an Allentown, Pennsylvania-area coffee shop, Biden was asked by reporters whether Austin’s delay in informing him about his treatment for prostate cancer showed a lapse in judgment. “Yes,” Biden responded. But asked if he still maintains confidence in Austin, the president said: “I do.”

Still, White House officials said Austin had been heavily involved in the US airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen as he approaches his second week in the hospital.

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Reporter asks about #SecDef Austin: “Was it a lapse in judgement for him not to tell you earlier?

President Biden: “Yes.” pic.twitter.com/KdUIhCN0Yq

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 12, 2024