"White House in the Dark: Delayed Disclosure of Defense Secretary Austin's Hospitalization Sparks Outrage"

President Joe Biden was unaware for several days that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had been hospitalized due to complications from elective surgery. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan informed Biden after he himself was made aware. Austin, who remained in the hospital as of the report, participated in a national security call on the day of his hospitalization and has since reassumed his duties. The delay in notifying the White House and congressional oversight committees has raised concerns about transparency, although Austin has committed to improving communication. Biden has expressed his confidence in Austin following a "warm conversation" between them.