News Alert: Deputy defense secretary was not told Austin had been hospitalized when she assumed his duties

When the deputy secretary of defense began assuming some of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's responsibilities on January 2, not even she knew that it was because Austin was hospitalized, two defense officials told CNN.

News Alert: Deputy defense secretary was not told Austin had been hospitalized when she assumed his duties When the deputy secretary of defense began assuming some of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's responsibilities on January 2, not even she knew that it was because Austin was hospitalized, two defense officials told CNN. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, the Pentagon's number two leader, was among the senior leaders kept in the dark about Austin's true whereabouts until Thursday, three days after the secretary checked into Walter Reed medical center following complications from an elective surgery. Not even the president was aware of Austin's hospitalization until three days into his stay there, CNN previously reported. The revelation that not even Hicks knew that Austin was hospitalized is sure to add to questions swirling within the administration about why his status was kept secret, not only from the public but from senior national security officials and the White House. Read More CNN BREAKING NEWS You are receiving this newsletter because you've signed up to receive CNN Breaking News alerts.   No longer want to receive this newsletter? Unsubscribe. Interested in more? See all of our newsletters.   Create CNN Account | Listen to CNN Audio | Download the CNN App    ® © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved. One CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303