Pentagon comes under fire after releasing report of Austin’s hospitalization: ‘We still have questions’
FOX NewsFeb 27
Pentagon: Austin Blameless for Not Disclosing Hospitalization
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The Facts
The US Pentagon on Monday released a review that concluded Secretary Lloyd Austin and his staff were not at fault for failing to notify the White House, Congress, or top Pentagon staff about his January hospitalization, saying that they didn't act with "ill intent."
The three-page report summarizing the Pentagon's internal review of the situation blamed the communication failure on the "unprecedented situation" and a desire to protect Austin’s privacy.
The Spin
Republican narrative
It's no surprise a Pentagon report found there was no one to blame at the Pentagon. But it's appalling that the report details such ineptitude by Democrats in the Biden administration, particularly when it says Austin and his staff didn't pass on information that could quickly change because it was an unprecedented situation. The unprecedented nature of this incident required complete transparency to keep the US safe.
Democratic narrative
Republicans continuing to politicize Austin's health problems and his communication mistakes are smearing an honorable man who's serving the US admirably. Austin has apologized to the president, his co-workers, and the American people — transparency that GOP culture could benefit from — and it's time to look toward the future, not stay mired in the past.
Nerd narrative
There is a 46% chance that Joe Biden will be re-elected President of the United States in 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.