Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin admitted that keeping his prostate cancer surgery a secret was a mistake, expressing regret for not disclosing it to President Biden and the public.
He underwent surgery in December, which led to severe complications, necessitating hospitalization.
The delay in informing the White House and the public has raised concerns, given the importance of his role in national security.
“Let me be crystal clear: We did not handle this right. I did not handle this right,” Austin said.
“I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis, and should also have told my team and the American public. I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.”
“This is no minor lapse,” Fred Kaplan said. “U.S. military forces are on high alert in the Middle East. … If Biden wanted any of those forces to take offensive action, his orders to the regional combatant commander would go through the secretary of defense.”
The incident has sparked controversy due to the lack of transparency and adherence to established protocols.
Austin’s handling of the situation has been criticized, especially in comparison to past disclosures of health issues by other high-ranking officials.
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