The Department of Defense’s second-in-command did not learn that she had taken over her boss’s responsibilities because he had been hospitalized until nearly three days later, the Pentagon said.
The Department of Defense’s (DOD) second-in-command did not learn that she had taken over her boss’s responsibilities because he had been hospitalized until nearly three days later, the Pentagon said.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin remains in the hospital after an emergency stay in the Intensive Care Unit, but resumed his full duties as of Friday — providing guidance to the Pentagon and monitoring DOD operations worldwide — and has communicated with his principal deputies, the Pentagon said in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, who was on leave in Puerto Rico at the time, made “routine decisions” on the Austin’s behalf during the week.
“Secretary Austin did not have to affirmatively delegate his duties because by statute, the Deputy Secretary is automatically authorized to perform the duties of the Secretary if he is unable to perform them. Medical professionals have been consulted throughout,” Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told the DCNF.
Austin was on leave and underwent an elective medical procedure on Dec. 22, returning home on Dec.
