US defence secretary Lloyd Austin has taken the blame for concealing his hospitalisation this week in a breach of protocol that left US President Joe Biden in the dark about his health.
The Pentagon did not tell the White House about Austin’s hospitalisation until Thursday — three days after he was admitted to hospital on New Year’s Day — according to a person familiar with the matter.
The public was only informed that Austin was in hospital late on Friday.
On Saturday, Austin issued a statement saying he understood the “media concerns about transparency”, adding that he “could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed”.
“I commit to doing better,” Austin added. “This was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure.”
A White House official said Biden spoke to Austin on Saturday evening and they had a “warm” conversation.
The official added that Biden had “full confidence” in Austin and looked forward to having him back at the Pentagon.
