President Joe Biden has no plans to dismiss Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin despite criticism from prominent Republicans over Austin’s failure to disclose a multi-day hospitalization.
The White House expressed full confidence in Austin and emphasized their focus on his health and recovery.
Former President Donald Trump and other Republicans called for Austin’s resignation, citing concerns about his absence and lack of disclosure. (Trending: Michelle Obama Admits Being ‘Terrified’ Ahead of 2024)
Lloyd Austin should be fired or impeached not ordering missile strikes
Failing to inform his chain of command he was in intensive care was a lie of omission at best and dereliction of duty pic.twitter.com/0tiadMDgVX
— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) January 12, 2024
John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, said, “There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job.”
Trump posted that Austin should be fired for his “improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty.”
“He has been missing for one week, and nobody, including his boss, Crooked Joe Biden, had a clue as to where he was, or might be,” wrote Trump.
Rep. Elise Stefanik said, “There must be full accountability beginning with the immediate resignation of Secretary Austin and those that lied for him and a Congressional investigation into this dangerous dereliction of duty.”
However, the White House maintains support for Austin and stated that he has resumed his duties while receiving care in the hospital.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “I think our main focus right now is on Secretary Austin’s health and making sure that he gets all the care and support that he needs to fully recover.”
“He has already resumed all his authorities. He’s already doing all of the functions he would normally do. He’s just doing it right now from the hospital,” he continued.
Kirby added that “there was no notification or knowledge at the White House or the National Security Council until Thursday afternoon.”
The exact reason for Austin’s hospitalization remains undisclosed.
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