"Biden Expresses Confidence in Austin Despite Hospitalization Scrutiny"

President Biden expressed confidence in Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin despite a delay in informing the White House about Austin's hospitalization following prostate cancer surgery. Biden acknowledged Austin's "lapse in judgment" for not disclosing the hospitalization earlier. The Pentagon faced scrutiny for the delayed notification, with Austin committing to better transparency. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks temporarily assumed Austin's duties, and Austin remains hospitalized in good condition, with no set release date.