In its review, the Pentagon Inspector General found that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization in 2013 “increased unnecessary” risks to national safety, even though there were no immediate effects.
In a press release, Inspector General Robert Storch stated that, “Although there were no adverse effects to the Defense Department operations as a result of how hospitalizations were handled,” the risks to the national defense were unnecessarily increased. This included the command and controls for the Defense Department’s critical national security missions.
Austin was hospitalized in 2024 for two weeks due to complications from surgery for prostate cancer. After waiting for several days before informing the White House of Austin’s hospitalization, the Pentagon was criticized.
The report says that Austin, during his hospitalization from Jan. 2-5, transferred some of his duties over to his deputy secretary of defense. However, neither Austin nor his deputy informed Congress or the White House Situation Room “timeously” as required.
Austin was not aware of the possibility of transferring authority while he underwent moderately sedative medical procedures between Jan. 6-8. Inspector General found no evidence Austin informed the deputy secretary or his chief staff that he was having the procedure. According to the review Austin texted his chief staff to say that he didn’t want his medical condition become “a circus in the media.”
Austin told Inspector General investigators that he had told his doctors to inform his superiors in the event he was put under general anesthesia. Austin signed forms confirming moderate sedation, but insisted he had to be functional because “that was mandated… and I am confident that this happened.” He claimed that his doctors had met his “requirement… to remain functional.”
In his 20 recommendations, the Inspector General said that the Defense Department must define “medically incapacitated” and “unable to perform functions and duties.” The inspector general also recommended that the Defense Department expand the list of people who are required to report hospitalizations of Secretaries of Defense and senior Pentagon officials.
The Inspector General announced last year that it would launch a review. “Examine the roles and processes, procedures, duties, and actions relating to the Secretary’s hospitalization between December 2023 and January 2024 and assess whether DoD policies and procedures will be sufficient to ensure timely notifications and an effective transition of authority as may warranted by health-based or any other inability of senior management.”
The review concluded that Austin’s privacy was a factor in the outcome of events. Austin did not inform his senior staff of his health condition or his appointments. He also told a junior staffer that he was available to answer any questions.
Austin apologized to President Biden and the public for not informing them of his hospitalization.
Austin stated, “We and I both did not do this right.” “I should’ve told the President about my cancer diagnosis. I also should have told my team, and the American people. Ich m’accepte a full share of the blame. “I apologize to all my teammates, and to the American public.”
CBS News has obtained the audio recording of the 911 call where an assistant asked the operator whether the ambulance heading to Austin’s home could be discrete.
Can I ask this, will the ambulance arrive without lights and sirens?” The caller can be heard saying, “We’re trying our best to stay a little subdued.”
The Pentagon’s separate report, released in 2013, concluded there was no intention on the part of Austin or his aides for the hospitalization to remain secret. However, it did admit that the policies used to transfer the secretary’s responsibilities need to be better.
Austin informed David Martin, during a CBS Sunday Morning interview that he was now cancer-free.
Austin replied, “I thank God that I was able to do this.”
Austin is preparing to leave his position when Donald Trump becomes president.
