WASHINGTON: The Pentagon on Monday released the results of a 30-day review that effectively absolved itself of any wrongdoing in US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin’s secret hospitalizations in December and January.
The report is unlikely to quell political furor or temper expected questioning of Austin by lawmakers later this week when the Pentagon chief appears before the House Armed Services committee to address the matter.
Austin failed to disclose a prostate cancer surgery in December and a subsequent hospitalisation in January, even to President Joe Biden. Austin’s own deputy, who was on vacation in January and took over his duties, was not informed for days that he was in the hospital.
The review, which was carried out by Pentagon officials, said “nothing examined during this review demonstrated any indication of ill intent or an attempt to obfuscate.” Austin also reviewed the report.
Earlier this month, Austin apologised for failing to tell President Biden and senior staff about his recent prostate cancer diagnosis ahead of time, adding that the health scare was a “gut punch” that had shaken him.Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers criticized Austin for failing to disclose a cancer diagnosis and subsequent hospitalizations.
Crew members of NGO rescue ship 'Ocean Viking' give lifejackets to migrants on an overcrowded boat in the...
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, at a parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday, said Canada had ‘clear... indications that...
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump is being covered by the Secret Service after...
People wait for a food distribution in a displaced persons camp at the Lycée Marie Jeanne in Port-au-Prince on...
Former Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accepts greetings from the assembled media and election observers...
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a presentation ceremony of national medals and honorary titles, at the Great Hall...