The Department of Defense Inspector General (IG) is launching an investigation into the department’s highly-criticized handling of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization.
Robert Storch wrote in a memo on Wednesday, stating that, “The objective of the review is to examine the roles, processes, procedures, responsibilities, and actions related to the Secretary of Defense’s hospitalization in December 2023– January 2024, and assess whether the DoD’s policies and procedures are sufficient to ensure timely and appropriate notifications and the effective transition of authorities as may be warranted due to health-based or other unavailability of senior leadership.”
Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Dec. 22, 2023 and underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a prostatectomy to treat and cure prostate cancer.
Austin was again admitted to Walter Reed on Jan. 1, 2024, due to a urinary tract infection after the procedure, including nausea with severe abdominal, hip and leg pain. He was reportedly hospitalized for days without notifying the White House, leading to many questions and prompting the White House to begin a review of Cabinet protocols for delegating authority.
HOUSE DEMOCRAT PRESSURES SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AUSTIN TO RESIGN
U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General Robert Storch testifies during a hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability at the Rayburn House Office Building on April 19, 2023 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
The memo from the IG comes as Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder issued a statement saying “Secretary Austin currently remains hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and is in good condition.”
LLOYD AUSTIN HOSPITALIZATION: NEW DETAILS EMERGE SURROUNDING INTERNAL DEFENSE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin looks on during a joint press conference with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at Israel’s Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 18, 2023. (Reuters/Violeta Santos Moura)
“He’s in contact with his senior staff and has full access to required secure communications capabilities and continues to monitor DOD’s day-to-day operations worldwide,” Ryder added. “We do not have a specific date for his release from the hospital at this time but will continue to provide daily updates until then.”
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin remains hospitalized, the Pentagon says. (Ian Waldie/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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On Wednesday, Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., also became the first House Democrat to call for Austin’s resignation.
Fox News’ Liz Friden, Bradford Betz and Houston Keene contributed to this report.
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