"The Controversy Surrounding Defense Secretary Austin's Hospitalization and Its Impact"
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, hospitalized for prostate cancer treatment, was integral to planning and authorizing the strike on the Houthi targets in Yemen, despite being in the hospital. The U.S. launched the significant strikes while Austin was in the hospital, participating in meetings and discussions virtually. The administration faces criticism for not disclosing Austin's hospitalization sooner, with some lawmakers calling for his resignation. The strikes were in response to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, and the administration is managing fallout from the situation.