Lloyd Austin: Another Biden AWOL Issue
President Unaware of Defense Secretary’s Hospitalization
Surprisingly, the 81-year-old president had no clue that the nation was left without a defense chief for three whole days. This isn’t the first time a cabinet official has gone missing during a crisis.
According to a report by the Guardian, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was suddenly admitted to the Walter Reed intensive care unit after experiencing severe pain on January 1. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks was on vacation when Austin became incapacitated.
Reuters reported that Hicks took on some of Austin’s duties on January 2, but she wasn’t informed about his unavailability until January 4. It was on the same day that President Biden and other senior White House officials were finally informed about Austin’s hospitalization.
It’s worth noting that Hicks was notified about Austin’s hospitalization on the same day that the U.S. military carried out drone strikes in Baghdad, resulting in the death of an Iranian-backed militia leader. These strikes were in response to attacks on U.S. troops by Iranian-backed groups following Hamas’ attack on Israel.
Former Defense Secretary Speaks Out
In an interview with Politico Playbook, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta openly discussed Austin’s sudden incapacitation. He stated that the situation was a close call and could have had serious consequences if an event occurred during that gap.
The Wall Street Journal reported that many questions remain about the events surrounding Austin’s hospital stay, including who was in charge and why there wasn’t better disclosure.
White House Officials Going Missing
It has become routine for White House officials to go missing, reflecting the disarray within the administration under the leadership of an octogenarian commander-in-chief who is seeking a second term. This is reminiscent of President Biden and then-White House press secretary Jen Psaki being on vacation while the American withdrawal from Afghanistan turned into a global humiliation.
Last year, records obtained by the nonprofit government watchdog Protect the Public’s Trust revealed that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was completely absent during the supply-chain crisis of 2021. While Congress worked on a trillion-dollar infrastructure package, a supply-chain crisis on the West Coast threatened to ruin the holiday season. Buttigieg, however, took an eight-week parental leave, which is significantly longer than what most new fathers take.
Records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) showed that Buttigieg used his paternity leave to avoid public appearances and meetings with congressional lawmakers. While the nation struggled with supply chains, bipartisan infrastructure talks resulted in over $100 billion in funding for Buttigieg’s department. Emails revealed that Buttigieg’s aides cited his paternity leave to skip a meeting with Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley to discuss a bridge project.
Even worse, Buttigieg showed a dismissive attitude towards traumatized residents in East Palestine, Ohio after a train derailment contaminated the town with toxic chemicals.
The whereabouts of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have also been a mystery for the past three years amidst the situation along the southern border. In December, a record-breaking number of over 300,000 illegal immigrants were encountered along the border. According to the House Homeland Security Committee, at least 1.7 million “known gotaways” have evaded law enforcement since fiscal year 2021. Mayorkas is now facing congressional impeachment proceedings for leaving the border open for three years.
Tristan Justice is the western correspondent for The Federalist and the author of Social Justice Redux, a conservative newsletter on culture, health, and wellness. He has also written for The Washington Examiner and The Daily Signal. His work has also been featured in Real Clear Politics and Fox News. Tristan graduated from George Washington University where he majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow him on Twitter at @JusticeTristan or contact him at [email protected]. Sign up for Tristan’s email newsletter here.
How does the absence or incapacitation of key officials, as highlighted by former Defense Secretary Panetta, pose potential consequences and put the White House’s ability to handle emergencies into question
Eason. Buttigieg’s absence was seen as a failure of leadership and sparked criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.
The recent incident with Defense Secretary Austin’s hospitalization further highlights the lack of coordination and communication within the White House. It is concerning that the president was unaware of the situation for three days, especially considering the critical nature of the defense department’s responsibilities.
Former Defense Secretary Panetta’s remarks emphasize the potential consequences of such gaps in leadership. In a world of constant threats and crises, the absence or incapacitation of key officials can have severe repercussions if immediate action is required. The fact that events in Baghdad unfolded while the administration was uninformed about Austin’s condition raises serious questions about the ability of the White House to effectively respond to emergencies.
The Wall Street Journal’s investigation into the events surrounding Austin’s hospital stay further complicates the matter. It is essential to understand who was in charge during his absence and why better disclosure was not provided. Transparency and accountability are crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of government institutions, particularly in times of crisis.
This incident also fits into a disturbing pattern of White House officials going missing during critical moments. The example of President Biden and former press secretary Jen Psaki being on vacation while the American withdrawal from Afghanistan turned into a global humiliation is still fresh in people’s minds. Such instances not only erode public trust but also raise doubts about the administration’s ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
The revelation that Transportation Secretary Buttigieg was absent during the supply-chain crisis of 2021 adds to the list of incompetence within the White House. With Congress working on vital infrastructure projects and a supply-chain crisis threatening the holiday season, Buttigieg’s absence was a clear failure of leadership.
In conclusion, the president’s unawareness of Defense Secretary Austin’s hospitalization is a concerning display of disarray within the White House. The lack of coordination, communication, and transparency raises legitimate doubts about the administration’s ability to effectively govern and respond during crises. It is imperative that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and steps are taken to prevent their recurrence in the future. The American people deserve a well-functioning government that can navigate through challenges and protect their interests.
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