"Defense Secretary Austin's Secret ICU Stay Sparks Outrage and Concern Over Delayed White House Notification"

GOP senators, including Tom Cotton and Roger Wicker, expressed outrage over the delayed notification of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's hospitalization, criticizing the lack of transparency and potential breach of protocol during a critical time for national security. Austin was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center following an elective surgery, but key government officials and the public were not informed until days later. The incident has raised concerns about the chain of command and the Biden administration's communication practices, with calls for a full briefing and accountability. Austin acknowledged the need for better transparency and took responsibility for the decisions regarding disclosure.