"Questions Surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Hospitalization Raise Concerns for Biden Administration"

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization, which began on December 22, was kept secret from many top officials, including President Joe Biden, until January 4. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks assumed some of his duties without being informed of the reason for his unavailability. The Pentagon's lack of transparency about Austin's illness has raised concerns, with lawmakers calling for more information about his health and the decision-making process. Austin remains in hospital but is said to be recovering well.