Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called to testify before Congress about hospitalization
NBCJAN 2024
US Defense Sec. Austin Apologizes for Handling of Medical Absence
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The Spin
Republican narrative
It's no coincidence that this mismanaged incident coincides with the death of the three US service members in Jordan. This has been a failure of leadership from the time Austin entered the hospital without telling his bosses through his attempt to work through his recovery. The lack of coordination and transparency has had tragic consequences and Austin and the administration must be held to account.
Democratic narrative
Austin is back on the job because he's restored competence and calmness to his position. Although he had a lapse of judgment in not disclosing his absence, the military chain of command was never broken. Anger over the death of service members overseas is understandable, but rhetoric blaming Austin and the administration is irrational.