"White House Orders Review of Defense Secretary Austin's Undisclosed Hospitalization"
The White House has ordered a review of procedures for delegating authority after Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III was hospitalized without informing President Biden or his staff. The directive from the White House chief of staff reflects concerns about the lack of transparency and communication regarding the health issues of a top defense official. Despite calls for his firing, President Biden has indicated that he does not plan to dismiss Mr. Austin, who has resumed his duties from the hospital. The Defense Department has also initiated a 30-day review of the incident and its procedures.