• Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks did not learn that her boss had been hospitalized until nearly three days later, after completing several missions on his behalf, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told the Daily Caller.・Told the News Foundation.
  
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was admitted to intensive care on January 1, but the details of his hospitalization were kept secret.
• “This was a combination of many factors and an evolving situation,” Ryder said.

The deputy commander of the Department of Defense (DOD) didn't learn she was taking over the role because of her superior's hospitalization until nearly three days later, the Pentagon said.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who remains hospitalized after being rushed to the intensive care unit, will resume full duties starting Friday, providing guidance to the Pentagon and overseeing the agency's activities around the world. The Pentagon said it is in contact with key agents. he said in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, who was on vacation in Puerto Rico at the time, made “routine decisions” on Austin's behalf that week.

“There was no need for Secretary Austin to actively delegate his duties, because the law automatically authorizes the Deputy Secretary to perform the duties of the Secretary if he is unable to do so.'' “Experts are always consulted,” Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told DCNF. (Related: 'I could have done a better job': Lloyd Austin addresses lack of transparency surrounding hospitalization)

Ryder said Austin was on vacation, underwent an elective medical procedure on Dec. 22, and returned home on Dec. 23. He began experiencing “severe pain” on January 1st, returned to the medical center by ambulance, and was admitted to the ICU.

“He was placed in the hospital's intensive care unit for immediate access due to medical necessity, but remained there thereafter due to hospital space and privacy concerns,” Ryder said. said.

Ryder said the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. CQ Brown Jr., who is not in the chain of command, was informed on January 2 that Austin had been hospitalized and that his authority had been transferred to the deputy secretary of defense. That's what it means. The Pentagon has not said who decided to notify Brown or whether Hicks was fully aware that he was exercising his authority at the time.

Austin's chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, could have notified the appropriate officials in the agency's delegation, but Magsamen is clearly unwell and will not be working with Hicks or other key White House leaders until January 4. They were not notified.

“Due to illness, the Chief of Staff was unable to provide prior notification. She provided such notification to the Deputy Secretary and National Security Advisor on Thursday,” Ryder said.

Ryder said it's not unusual for the secretary of defense to transfer certain duties to a deputy without providing a specific reason. Said CNN.

According to CNN, Hicks then began making plans to return to Washington, D.C., for the first time, but scrapped those plans after learning Austin would resume work from the hospital on Friday.

Rider said the secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as other Pentagon officials, were notified on the afternoon of Jan. 5, apparently at the last minute before the Pentagon. released A short public statement regarding Austin's hospitalization.

The Pentagon has not released a date for Austin's discharge from the military.

.@SASCGOP R.M. @Senator Wicker:

“I'm glad to hear that @SecDef His condition is improving and I wish him a speedy recovery. However, the fact remains that the Pentagon deliberately withheld the Secretary of Defense's medical condition for several days. That's unacceptable. ”

(1/X)

— SASC GOP (@SASCGOP) January 7, 2024

In a statement, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, accused Mr. Austin of illegally withholding information.

Mr. Wicker accused Mr. Austin of violating the law. federal law This provision requires Congress to be immediately notified of any vacancies in the executive branch and who will serve as acting officials in the vacancies.

“This was a combination of many factors and an evolving situation,” Ryder said. “We are considering the impact of statutory reporting requirements and will provide updates as appropriate.”

All content produced by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent, nonpartisan news distribution service, is available free of charge to legitimate news publishers with large audiences. All republished articles must include our logo, reporter byline, and DCNF affiliation. If you have any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact us at licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.