The lack of transparency regarding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospital stays for prostate cancer surgery caused a major controversy, prompting various investigations and demands for his removal from office.

Some may find the commotion confusing or disrespectful. The right to privacy, especially when it comes to health matters, is highly valued. However, it is not guaranteed for everyone.

As a Cabinet member in President Joe Biden’s administration, Austin bears the responsibility of being a critical national security advisor and overseeing the management of the nation’s nuclear weapons. This role requires him to sacrifice some of his personal privacy. He must always be prepared to respond quickly in the event of an attack on the United States, and he must possess the ability to make urgent and crucial choices regarding the deployment of soldiers or the utilization of American military force worldwide.

While he was in surgery and at the beginning of his hospitalization, he delegated important decision-making responsibilities to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. However, he did not disclose the reason for this transfer. He also did not inform Vice President Biden, other leaders in the U.S. government, or his top advisors about his surgery, diagnosis, or the fact that he was taken to the hospital by ambulance until several days later.

This is an overview of the events that occurred and the reason it stirred up backlash and prompted a call for the government to address these mistakes across all departments.

In early December, Austin (70 years old) received a diagnosis of prostate cancer following a routine screening.

On December 22, he was accepted into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and underwent a prostatectomy, a surgical operation to remove all or part of the prostate gland. This procedure is frequently used to treat prostate cancer. He was discharged the next day.

On January 1st, he experienced nausea and experienced intense pain in his abdomen, hip, and leg. This was caused by a urinary tract infection that was related to his surgery. On Tuesday, his doctors released a comprehensive medical statement stating that he was under anesthesia during the initial surgery. When he was transferred to the intensive care unit on January 2nd, the infection had caused a blockage in his intestines and a tube had to be inserted through his nose to drain his stomach.

The medical professionals stated that his cancer was caught at an early stage, and his outlook for recovery is very positive.

As per standard procedures, Austin delegated decision-making responsibilities to his deputy. This is a common occurrence whenever Austin is unable to use secure, classified means of communication.

Last month, he traveled to a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and transferred authorities to Hicks during the flight. He then resumed control once on the ship, which has complete communication capabilities. A similar exchange was also carried out during the flight back to land.

It is not unusual for Austin to not provide a justification to Hicks for the relocation, which is done by email. Such relocations occur frequently among the Defense Department and other organizations, including military leaders, service chiefs, and combatant commanders.

The department announced that Hicks will be assuming some of Austin’s daily responsibilities while he recuperates.

The level of confidentiality surrounding the operation and his present inpatient treatment has been considerable and surprising to high-ranking officials in the government and the Pentagon. This has also sparked inquiries about his honesty with his team and the Biden administration.

Last Friday, officials from the Pentagon revealed that Austin had been admitted to the hospital, but did not provide any further information. They later admitted that a small number of his top aides were informed on January 2, but did not inform the White House until January 4. Additionally, they did not reveal his cancer diagnosis when it was initially made a month ago, the surgery on December 22, or details about his recent complications until January 9.

It seems that there was a significant absence during his conversation with Biden on Saturday. According to the White House, it was a short call for Biden to convey his good wishes to Austin, who was still in the hospital.

However, there are still uncertainties – was the president not curious about Austin’s reason for being in the hospital? Or did he inquire and receive an incomplete response? No one is willing to reveal the truth.

In response to multiple inquiries regarding the timeliness of informing the public about the secretary’s health, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, spokesperson for the Pentagon, stated that decisions about prostate cancer testing and care are typically very personal and confidential.

On his initial day as president, Biden’s administration promised to restore truth and openness and reestablish faith with the citizens of the United States, emphasizing the importance of government transparency in a functioning democracy.

Austin’s failure to reveal his hospitalization and the fact that he had transferred his decision-making responsibilities to his deputy, before informing the president, goes against the usual protocol. The president and other members of the Cabinet usually make public announcements when they are unable to fulfill their duties or have significant health concerns. The president’s doctors, both current and past, have customarily held press conferences to discuss medical evaluations.

Austin ranks just below the president in the military’s chain of command, with responsibility for overseeing U.S. nuclear weapons. In the event that something happens to the commander-in-chief, he is sixth in line for succession.

His admittance to the hospital coincides with the U.S. managing both warfare and diplomacy in Israel and Ukraine. Additionally, American ships in the Red Sea have intercepted missiles and drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. In Iraq and Syria, militias have consistently targeted bases where U.S. soldiers are stationed.

The assaults have compelled the Biden government to declare potential retribution against the Houthis and carry out counterattacks in Iraq and Syria on multiple occasions. This has necessitated delicate and high-level deliberations and choices by Austin and other important military figures.

Ultimately, it boils down to trust.

The Pentagon’s repeated omissions, which may be seen as lies, have greatly damaged their reputation during a crucial period, impacting both the general public and the Biden administration. The failure to disclose information has unjustly harmed the administration and given ammunition to those who oppose Biden, leading to calls for Austin’s resignation.

The situation also brings attention to the lack of specific protocols that should be adhered to in the event of a key leader becoming suddenly injured and unable to perform their duties.

The Department of Defense is often referred to by its leaders as a “planning organization.” The Pentagon is notorious for its focus on hierarchy, detailed procedures for even the lowest-ranking soldiers, and preparation for potential conflicts across the globe.

It is not certain if the staff has violated any protocols, or if those regulations are lacking in detail or commonly known.

Austin’s lack of communication was a missed chance for growth. He did not fulfill his role as a mentor.

Austin had the opportunity to use his prostate check and early cancer detection as a learning opportunity for his male colleagues and employees within the department, and especially for the African American community.

Prostate cancer is prevalent in men in the United States, with a likelihood of affecting 1 out of every 8 men and 1 out of every 6 African American men at some point in their lives.

In particular, it has been a concern for members of the military in Austin. The Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs are conducting various research projects to tackle the prevalence of cancer, specifically prostate cancer, among service personnel, including those who have been deployed to war, pilots and crew members, and individuals responsible for operating the country’s nuclear missiles.

In 2020, Al Roker, a well-known television personality, was informed of his prostate cancer diagnosis. He made the decision to make it known to the public and encouraged those who may be at risk, specifically Black men, to schedule regular check-ups with their doctor. This can help prevent a potentially life-threatening cancer that can be effectively treated if caught early.

Roker stated that there are various factors contributing to the issue faced by African American men, ranging from genetics to healthcare accessibility. He emphasized the importance of making healthcare accessible and spreading awareness about the need for regular check-ups.

___

Tara Copp, a writer for the Associated Press, contributed to this report.