In a shocking turn of events, the White House and the Defense Department were left in the dark for several days regarding Defense Secretary Austin's hospitalization. The Department of Defense claimed that the delay in informing President Biden and the National Security Council was due to Austin's chief of staff being ill with the flu. However, this justification has been met with skepticism and criticism.
Senator Tom Cotton, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed his disbelief at the Pentagon's response, calling it 'preposterous.' He argued that the Secretary of Defense has a team of aides, including a senior military aide, who should have maintained constant communication with the White House and the National Security Council. Senator Cotton raised concerns about the transparency of the administration, wondering if they would conceal important information about President Biden's health.
