ABC News reports that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin takes “full responsibility for [his] decisions” in having the Pentagon announce that he was hospitalized for days following complications from an undisclosed, minor medical procedure.
A U.S. official confirmed to ABC News that the White House did not learn about Austin’s hospitalization until Thursday night – three days after he was hospitalized on the evening of January 1, 2024.
The surprise disclosure of Austin’s hospitalization has raised questions inside and outside of government as to why it was disclosed so late into his medical treatments at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, including time in the medical center’s intensive care unit.
According to a U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson, Austin remains hospitalized, but resumed his official duties on the evening of January 5, 2024. There was reportedly no need to delegate his authorities because the Deputy Defense Secretary, Kathleen Hicks, was automatically tasked with that responsibility.
The ABC News report may be read in full HERE.
My brothers and sisters, I understand that we are working with relatively limited information in this matter, and that the issue clearly involves the personal medical treatment of a retired, four-star Army general who served for three years as commander of the U.S. Central Command, Lloyd Austin; however, Austin now serves in a civilian capacity as the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
With the U.S. currently in the throes of active military action in the Middle East, there is no excuse for the White House and Congress, as reported by ABC News, to not have been informed right away.
Perhaps the most shocking issue for this writer is that the White House (read: President Joe Biden and his administration) was NOT INFORMED for three days that the country’s secretary of defense was in an intensive care unit!
This situation and the decision-making of our current leaders is shocking. Considering the apparent level and quality of communication within the White House, is it any wonder that the Biden Administration allowed the debacle in Afghanistan to happen?
We need to pray for our leaders (both military and civilian), and especially the decision makers in the White House. With the Middle East aflame, this is certainly not the time for complete breakdowns in simple communications.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions [emphasis mine], that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…”.
Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, [b]ut the companion of fools will be destroyed.”
James 1:5 (NKJV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
