The Pentagon announced late Monday that Lloyd Austin's chief of staff ordered an investigation into the events surrounding his hospitalization, his transferring authority to his deputy and the delayed notification of senior Pentagon leaders, the White House and Congress. The Pentagon has come under intense scrutiny for the secrecy surrounding Austin's illness and delayed disclosures. The Pentagon released a statement late Friday saying that Austin had been hospitalized since January 1. The Pentagon says that Magsamen's illness was one of the reasons the White House wasn't informed of Austin's serious illness for three days. Several officials, including public affairs staff, were aware of Austin's condition and did not pass along the information, which was a violation of protocol. Chris Meagher, the top civilian official for public affairs at the Pentagon, and Ryder, the press secretary, were aware that Austin was in the hospital. Magsamen ordered 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 888-282-0476 Austin resumed work the from hospital and took back authority from Hicks Jan. The review will establish a time line of what happened when Austin was taken to Walter Reed. The President and White House have been made aware of the situation promptly.
The Pentagon press secretary apologized Monday for not telling the public sooner about Austin's hospitalization. I will do everything I can to meet your expectations.
The Marine Corps offered details about Smith's surgery and what led to it. Smith was in good condition at the hospital after undergoing surgery to fix his heart valve, according to the Marine Corps. The procedure that Austin underwent is not being described by the Pentagon. The Republican chairman and ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee issued a joint statement urging Austin to give more information about his health.