As an Army officer and defense secretary, Lloyd Austin has always preferred to stay out of the public eye. The White House initially saw this as an asset, but that perception has changed recently.
Austin’s inclination towards maintaining a low profile has backfired after he failed to inform the White House about his hospitalization due to complications from prostate cancer treatment. This reticence has created a political headache for the Biden administration, leading lawmakers from both parties to demand an explanation as to why the president was kept in the dark.
The White House has expressed full confidence in Austin and stated that President Joe Biden has no plans to fire him or accept his offer to resign. Austin’s reserved demeanor has been viewed as an asset within the White House, particularly for a team that values discretion and dislikes drama. However, in this instance, that same asset has become a liability.
Austin, described by a former senior military officer and friend as an introvert and a decent person without a dishonest bone in his body, is now facing criticism for not disclosing his medical condition and hospitalization sooner. While his desire for privacy is understandable, it is not a privilege he can have as the civilian in the nuclear chain of command, according to experts.
Throughout his career, Austin has been known for his quiet and understated nature. Even as a four-star general overseeing American troops in the Middle East, he rarely spoke to reporters and insisted on no television cameras during public events. This preference for working behind closed doors without fanfare has earned him respect within the Biden administration.
Austin’s reserved approach was seen as a strength when he was chosen as defense secretary. Biden and his team considered him a loyal and steady hand who shared the president’s cautious approach to military action. Austin faithfully carried out the decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, even though it went against the advice of military commanders.
Despite his accomplishments, Austin’s low-profile strategy has now come under scrutiny. Lawmakers from both sides have demanded transparency and a thorough explanation as to why the White House was kept in the dark about his medical condition. Democrat Representative Chris Deluzio has called for Austin’s resignation, while Republican Representative Mike Rogers has launched a formal investigation into the matter.
Austin has accepted responsibility for the lack of disclosure and acknowledged that he could have done a better job of informing the public. He is currently recovering in the hospital but remains fully engaged in his work, receiving regular updates from senior military officers.
The incident has highlighted the importance of building trust in civil-military relations. Austin’s closed-lipped approach may have left him with few allies on Capitol Hill. However, his long and successful career, as the country’s first African American defense secretary, should not be overshadowed by this single episode.
Despite the pressures he faced as a Black man in a predominantly white institution, Austin has achieved remarkable success. He grew up in Georgia during the time of Jim Crow and integrated his local public high school. Austin has spoken about those difficult days and praised the determination and resolve of the teachers and officials who upheld the principle of equality.
In conclusion, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin may have preferred to keep a low profile, recent events have shown that it can have its drawbacks. Transparency and communication are crucial in his role, and Austin has acknowledged the need for improvement in this regard. As he continues his recovery and faces congressional scrutiny, Austin may have to adopt a more open and proactive approach in his public engagement.