The White House and Pentagon have launched a review into the circumstances surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization last week and the lack of notification to White House officials regarding the transfer of his authority. The review aims to identify any rules or procedures that were not followed and learn from the experience. A Pentagon memo released on Monday outlined a 30-day review that will examine the timeline of events and notifications since Austin's hospitalization, the process for determining when the secretary is unable to perform his duties, and recommendations for improving the notification process for senior leaders.

In the memo, Austin's Chief of Staff Kelly Magsamen stated that the review would ensure clarity and transparency in transferring authorities and notifying the President, White House, Congress, and the public. As a result, any future transfer of authority will trigger notifications to a wider array of officials, including the Pentagon's general counsel, the chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Combatant Commanders, service secretaries, the service chiefs of staff, the White House Situation Room, and the senior staff of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Austin, who is just below President Joe Biden in the chain of command of the U.S. military, was hospitalized on January 1st due to complications from an elective medical procedure he had on December 22nd. Pentagon press secretary Major General Patrick Ryder assured the public that national security was not in jeopardy during Austin's hospitalization, as his duties were transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. Ryder stated that Austin has no plans to resign and is still focused on conducting his duties, receiving operational and intelligence reports.

Although Austin's medical procedure remains undisclosed, the secrecy surrounding his hospitalization has raised concerns. For days, Austin did not inform President Biden or publicly announce his hospitalization, which is typically expected for high-ranking government officials. Austin took "full responsibility" for the lack of transparency and secrecy surrounding his hospitalization. However, this has not stopped top Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, from calling for Austin's dismissal. Trump accused Austin of "improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty" and criticized him for being missing for a week without anyone, including Biden, knowing his whereabouts.

The Pentagon has now provided more information about Austin's hospitalization, revealing that even Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks was unaware of his hospitalization until January 4th. The delay in notification was partly attributed to Austin's chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, being sick with the flu. The Pentagon will conduct a review of its procedures and strive to improve its notification processes in the future.

Austin was admitted to the intensive care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on January 1st but has since been moved to a more private area of the hospital. While he continues to experience discomfort, his prognosis is good, according to Ryder. The Pentagon has not yet disclosed a specific date for Austin's release but will provide daily updates on his condition.

In response to the situation, the White House has stated that President Biden has no intention of firing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. However, they will conduct a review of the rules and procedures that were not followed during Austin's hospitalization and lack of disclosure. The goal is to learn from the experience and improve the notification processes in place. The Pentagon has also apologized for the delayed release of information and pledged to do better in the future.