Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is facing growing scrutiny from congressional lawmakers after it was revealed that the Pentagon delayed informing administration officials, Congress, and the public about his hospitalization. The delay in disclosing Austin's condition has sparked concerns about transparency, judgment, and national security.

According to a U.S. official, the Pentagon waited three days after Austin arrived at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center before informing senior officials in the White House's National Security Council about his condition. It was confirmed that Austin had spent four days in the intensive care unit. Austin's deputy, Kathleen Hicks, was also not informed until two days after she assumed her duties.

The delayed disclosure has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including Rep. Elise Stefanik, who called for Austin's resignation due to the "shocking and absolutely unacceptable" decision to wait several days before notifying administration officials about his hospitalization. Stefanik emphasized the need for accountability and demanded a congressional investigation into what she described as a dangerous dereliction of duty.

As of Sunday night, Austin remained in the hospital with no release date set. The Pentagon's press secretary stated that Austin was recovering well from complications related to an elective surgery and that he had resumed his duties. However, the Pentagon has cited "privacy reasons" for not disclosing more information about Austin's condition and the reason for his hospitalization.

The White House and National Security Council were not informed about Austin's condition until January 4th, according to National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby. Kirby stated that President Joe Biden's focus is on Austin's health and recovery, and the president expressed his well wishes to Austin during a phone conversation.

Despite the mounting criticism, Biden has reportedly expressed "full trust and confidence" in Austin and is not considering firing him for the delayed disclosure. The Pentagon has also stated that Austin has no plans to resign, with Ryder emphasizing that Austin remains focused on his duties as Secretary of Defense.

Multiple members of Congress, including Republican Sens. Roger Wicker and Tom Cotton, have indicated that Austin will face questioning from lawmakers regarding the delay in disclosing his hospitalization. Wicker called the Pentagon's delay "unacceptable" and demanded a full accounting of the facts, questioning the notification process and the involvement of Austin's staff.

Rep. Don Bacon, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, described the delayed disclosure as a "terrible mistake in judgment" and called for an honest review from the White House. Bacon highlighted the importance of a clear chain of command for national defense matters and urged transparency in addressing the issue.

While some lawmakers stopped short of calling for Austin's resignation, there are calls for him to explain himself through a news conference. Rep. Abigail Spanberger emphasized the need for immediate notification within the Defense Department and the White House, while also acknowledging the need to protect national security protocols.

Austin has taken full responsibility for the lack of disclosure and expressed his commitment to his role as Defense Secretary. The White House has acknowledged Austin's ownership of the issue and commended his leadership during past crises. As discussions continue, the NSC is expected to conduct a review to improve processes and procedures for disclosing medical conditions and hospitalizations of Cabinet secretaries.