US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with the press at the Pentagon on Thursday where he apologized for concealing his prostate cancer diagnosis and hospitalization from US President Joe Biden and the rest of the government.
This is the first time Austin has answered questions from reporters since being rushed back to the hospital on Jan. 1.
“We did not handle this right and I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I take full responsibility,” Austin said.
“The news shook me,” Austin, 70, said when he first got the diagnosis. “Frankly my first instinct was to keep it private.”
“I never directed anyone to keep my January hospitalization from the White House,” Austin said.
Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer early in December and had surgery on Dec. 22. On Jan. 1, he was taken by ambulance to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after experiencing complications from the procedure.
Clips from the Austin presser below:
Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin during his first press conference since his incapacitation scandal:
“Frankly, my first instinct was to keep it private. I don’t think it’s news that I’m a pretty private guy.” pic.twitter.com/dbvMSzwnig
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 1, 2024
Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin insists he never directed his staff to keep his condition from senior officials or the public.
He doesn’t answer if anyone has been disciplined for hiding his condition. pic.twitter.com/1MTgbiCieR
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 1, 2024
Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin can’t explain why his staff told the ambulance “no lights, no sirens.”
Repeatedly throughout this press conference, Austin doesn't answer questions about who knew what when. pic.twitter.com/qDrBTU20uv
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 1, 2024
Reporter: “Anyone else within the military chain of command would have faced reprimand or even dismissal. Why shouldn't that same standard apply to you?”
Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin says “thanks for the question” and then doesn’t answer. pic.twitter.com/wbF4da1IHD
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 1, 2024
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